Originally launched as a charter carrier in 2006, Hellenic was awarded designated scheduled carrier status from Greece to Johannesburg, Dubai, and Beirut in December 2009, filling the void left by the reduction in the Olympic Airways network. Hellenic plans to further expand its scheduled network to cover over 40 international destinations by 2012.
The airline launched operations into South Africa in June, operating three times weekly B747 aircraft from Athens to Johannesburg; after the World Cup competition ends, it will reduce frequency to twice-weekly.
'In July, Hellenic will launch further services from its Athens hub to New York JFK and London Gatwick. In the near future, it also plans to start flights to Bangkok, Beirut, Damascus, Dubai, Casablanca, Jeddah, Paris and Manila. The airline's fleet currently comprises four B747s.
Says TCC Chairman Gerd von Mansberg: 'This is an exciting new airline and an exciting opportunity for us. Hellenic enables us to expand our spread of destinations, providing valuable wide-body cargo capacity via a hub which is strategically convenient and highly-viable.
'As Hellenic's network grows, so will its attraction to the South African market. We are delighted to have been given this ground-floor opportunity of working with the airline to launch its cargo brand in South Africa, and realise its considerable potential here.'
TCC, launched in 1993 and with offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, now handles sales for seven airlines. The EGSAC network now comprises 30 members with over 130 bases in 33 countries, collectively working with 150 airlines.
