"Grass" from Antigua to Middle-East
 

Okay - I thought the title would get you looking :)

Serious post though - help needed.

The consignment is - to put it non-technically - "grass cuttings". Nothing illegal or that can be smoked(!) but a simple commercial shipment of lawn-grass sprigs from Antigua to Riyadh.

Volume around 550 cubic metres, but preferably shipped in two loads. Weight? - probably about 400 tonnes for the total amount.

Shipping conditions? - In bags, and on pallets, and needs to be kept "chilled" (like fresh vegetables) but NOT frozen. Should not be "in transit" (or any other kind of van ;)) for more than a couple of days or so..

So my questions:-
1) What sort of aircraft (if any) would be suitable as a full-load charter?

2) If feasible, who should I be talking to? If not, alternate suggestions as to air freight options?

Yes, I know I have strayed from my R&N and Jet Blast, but hopefully the Freight Dogs can advise beter than my usual forums (fora):O

Looks good for Antonov loads

AN225 in 3 trips

AN124 in 4 trips

PM me if you want Antonov Airlines contacts

;)

VEEPS

Thanks Veeps :D

I hadn't checked out any freight aircraft specs for load capacity, but had suspected that we were talking "big a/c" (it was late in my time-zone when I posted, after yet another 14-hour day!)

Looked at Foyle/Antonov's web site this morning, as well as Boeing's site . . .

So the AN225 can lift the 747 Freighter and its load!

Now need to contact our supplier to find out exactly what we are shipping - it's "12,600 bushels", which equates to around 550 cu.m. (I'm told!) but the ANs can carry lots more if the weight is less than 1 tonne/cu.m.

Have passed the London contact to our Gen. Mgr. to do the "commercial talking"

I just knew I'd get my answers from PPRuNe ;)

(PS - Now I wonder how I can wangle myself a job as "cargo attendant", coz I\'ve never flown flight deck on an Antonov ;) )

Antonov's would be ideal, though as far as I understand the availability is next to zero right now.

Anyone checked the runway length in Antigua?

Don't know the exact runway length but good for a fully loaded

747 - 100/200/400 to LHR

CR2....

AN124 availability quite good at the moment if you book quick!! :ok:

TAPA/ANU 2743M looks OK to me!! need to look at temps though!!

VEEPS:E

:O Veeps, Hi

I didn't know you'd escaped! Nice to know you're working with some of the ex-HLA guys. Is Vince Jones still around?
Brgds to all the old guys, JR.

Vince is still very much around and working with VDA at STN.

I don't know of any a/c that could do it in one load. B-747 could do it in three to four loads. Kaliita Air Charters, or Polar could probably accomidate your needs. Good luck

Suggest you try talking to a Charter Broker as they have access to different airlines / aircraft etc and are used to negotiating with airlines. I can suggest a few decent ones if you'd like. PM me for more info.

Let us know how you get on regardless

CS

Which Charter Brokers do you recommend for getting Antonovs?

Check your PM's

Another *-up!
 

A colleague messed up here - the load is actually 50 tonnes - not 500 :mad:

And he still can't tell me the weight! - he's about as much use as a chocolate teapot!!

(Pity, the rates on the AN were impressive!)

The point about charter brokers is that they act a middlemen between the shipper and all the different airlines. They do not focus on any one aircraft type or any one airline and will find the most appropriate / cheapest aircraft for any given cargo.

Ex Sim Guy

Check emails.......gotta better deal!!:ok:

Flying Tiger

If you want a quote for the whole Antonov range send me a PM and miss out the middle man:ok:

VEEPS