Hydro Air Cargo??

[Whooaahh]

Just ehard of a new start-up outfit oiut of JNB called Hydro Air Cargo. Using an Ex Fed-Ex B747-200F, I believe.

Anyone got any gen on this one??

Whooaahh!!!

[Was that for us?]

There is no AOC been issued in that name?????????????????????????????????

[The Guvnor]

I'd suspect it may (or may not) be something to do with the remanants of a company called North Atlantic Air (NAA) which were based in offices in Midrand. Have also heard rumours that AFX have got themselves SA involvement (as well as rumours that AFX are going to be the new Atlas vehicle) - so treat that for what it's worth but AFX of course operate some of those -70A powered ex Flying Tigers / Fedex B747s.

I looked at those aircraft for fish ops CPT - VIT; didn't make economic sense with the belly cargo competition and the insider deals being done through Morgan Air with SAA!

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:) Happiness is a warm L1011 :)

[Was that for us?]

The Guvnor.
Your slipping its not normal for you not to know everything that goes on in RSA

[The Guvnor]

Sorry, haven't been back there since May - so am a little bit behind the curve here. I'm sure with your obvious knowledge of the industry you can get to the bottom of it though! :) :) :)

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:) Happiness is a warm L1011 :)

[Goldfish Jack]

Also heard about it.

Chief pilot/Ops manager rumoured to be ex SAA.

Going to concentrate on flying fish and other perishables to Europe and the Far East.

[SA ATCO]

It's true. Crew are on jumbo course as we speak. I understand that they have leased two B747-200's and will be running cargo.

[Was that for us?]

Was told they had meeting with AOC holder and were un able to give ACMI rate for B 747 Stated and I quote"we will charge by the kilometer" unquote.Sound like a bunch of Kingair pilots let lose to me?????????

[gema]

It appears that they are up and running with a B747-200C with a nose job. Paint job is over what looks very much like a Mid East carrier. Callsign is Hydro Cargo.

[Boss Raptor]

Mid East carrier,one of the Air Gulf Falcon aircraft perhaps? but I never saw them with any titles...

AFX's aircraft are definately the ex FEDEX ones like the Guvnor says.

[Antman]

It's Ex El-Al B747-200C. Saw it doing compass swing last week and saw it land from somewhere on Sunday at JNB. Also saw SAA B747-200 doing circuit training at JNB on sunday, posibly the Hydro guys doing base training as I believe they finished there sim training at SAA last week. Rumour has it they got the first B747 at a steal of only $16 million.

[The Guvnor]

Very strange, Antman, as that aircraft was offered to me by Arkia Leasing at US$10m! As that was around 2 years ago, the price should have gone down rather than up - especially as it had the Bedek rather than Boeing conversion!

Are exchange controls still in place in SA?

Who are the people involved with it?

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:) Happiness is a warm L1011 :)

[CargoRat2]

Is the aircraft old 4X-AXF? If so, I reckon even $10m is too much...Guv: as for Bedek conversion, your right. Horrible system from a Loadmaster's point of view.

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rgds Rat

[This message has been edited by CargoRat2 (edited 15 November 2000).]

[Antman]

Hey remember

"rumour has it"

Yes exchange controls still in place.

[Airways Ed]

Hydro's aircraft is ex 4X-AXD, a 200C Convertible since new in 1975.

[Johnny Rocket]

Ex Israeli 747, employing a bunch of ex SAA guys, one of the men behind it is ex SAA / SAX Graham Smith...