Maximus looking at potential for more freighters

UAE's premier cargo carrier, Maximus Air Cargo, is believed to be in the market for additional freighters and preparing to expand its business out of Abu Dhabi.

The company - which has recently teamed up with business jet operator Royal Jet at London Stansted, has been looking at ways to grow its business and profitability. Industry sources say that the carrier plans to launch, what is described as as "ACMI-Plus" service .

It currently has standard aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) leasing deals covering the operation of two A300-600 freighters for Etihad Crystal Cargo, which are applied on routes from Abu Dhabi to India, North Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to respected cargo journal IFW, under standard ACMI deals, the lessor charges for a minimum number of hours of operation, but the direct operating cost of the aircraft is the responsibility of the lessee. IFW report today that Fathi Buhazza, Maximus President and CEO, says that, under the company’s partnership arrangement with Etihad, the two airlines were looking at how best to reduce operating costs and develop fuel management systems, as part of the development of the new ACMI Plus product.

“It’s a win-win,” he told IFW. “None of our rivals offer this service, so we see it as a way of differentiating our product in the market.”

Currently, Maximus operates one Antonov 124-100, two Airbus 300-600RFs, three Ilyushin 76TDs and two Lockheed 382G Hercules aircraft, predominantly on contracts into or out of the Middle East.

The close arrangement with Etihad could lead to Maximus buying additional freighters, which would then be leased to the carrier under the ACMI Plus contract model.

“We’re now looking for one or maybe two A300-600 freighters,” Buhazza said. “We’re also looking at other aircraft in discussions with Etihad.