The flexibility of airfreight was clearly demonstrated by a recent charter flight from Athens to Larnaca in Cyprus. The shipment delivered by road to Athens from Latvia, was originally destined to be moved by sea. However due to congestion problems at the port, Freight Plus with the agreement of its client DSV Hellas SA, quickly chartered a B737-300F from Cargoair to ship the cargo, 12.5 tons of antennas, urgently required by a customer in Cyprus. The two handling agents, Swissport Hellas Cargo in Greece and Airtrans Group in Cyprus worked together to achieve a successful transit. This was a perfect example of not only the rapid results possible with air transport but shows how the various companies involved are able to work together to achieve excellent results.
The outstanding feature of the cargo operation at Athens since the new airport was opened has been the cargo community's willingness and 'get it done' attitude. The combined efforts of everyone involved, including Customs, has certainly contributed to the 2008 tonnage of 122,100 tonnes A modest 2,7% increase but in the current economic climate a very encouraging performance.
