For the first time in its history, the Cargo division of South African Airways, SAA Cargo, recently operated a passenger aircraft for a pure cargo uplift.
In response to the increased demand for cargo flights to distribute critical and essential goods during the lockdown, the first week of April saw SAA Cargo operate an Airbus A340-600 as a cargo only flight, transporting essential goods between Johannesburg and Frankfurt.
The outbound cargo included perishables such as fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, laboratory supplies as well as automotive and aircraft parts for repairs. On the inbound leg from Europe the cargo included testing kits for COVID-19, immunological pharmaceuticals, insulin, surgical personal protective equipment and processing equipment for food such as baby milk powder.
Further flights of this nature are envisaged, according to the airline.