Lufthansa cargo - the German freight carrier that halted its operations last year in Pakistan - has agreed to resume its operations in Pakistan for two and-a-half month for the export of mangoes to Europe and some far-away destinations, it was reliably learnt here on Wednesday.
Sources said that the German freight carrier had decided to flex its muscles to re-enter Pakistan skies when some of the leading mango exporters of the country approached them four months back, seeking help in bringing their commodity to prime European cities and some far-flung destinations.
Sources have pointed out that Lufthansa cargo would kick-off its operations simultaneously from Karachi and Lahore from 9th of this month (Friday).
"The first shipment of mangoes would be dispatched on Friday (June 9) to Germany and then the same freight carrier would also cover the other European destinations," said a Karachi-based mango exporter who wished not to be named.
He said the mango exporters intend to declare Germany as a hub and are interested to dispatch shipments from Germany to cities of Europe and other targeted areas.
"From Germany, we would send our shipments to Finland, Portugal, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and some other destinations," added the exporter. He said the German freight carrier is the most suitable option for Canadian destinations as well.
Elucidating the details, one exporter said that the German freight carrier would conduct three flights a week and stop its cargo operations somewhere in September, this year.
"The carrier would help export around 45,000 metric tonnes of Pakistani mangoes to a number of European destinations with a target price of 1.85 euro per kg," he remarked.
Commenting on the freight charges, an exporter mentioned, "This time, they (Lufthansa cargo) have revised freight charges upward by Rs 20 per kg to Rs 86 per kg for the European destinations, however, for Copenhagen. Oslo and Athens, they would charge Rs 95 per kg."
While giving reasons why exporters have chosen Lufthansa for mango exports, a leading exporter said, "Lufthansa cargo facilitates service to the whole of Europe," he said. He added that the cargo capacity in Lufthansa is around minimum 35 metric tonnes and maximum 40 metric tonnes, which no other cargo carrier offers," the exporter illustrated.
"The German carrier has its cold storage facility at almost all the airports around the world, that is why the carrier delivers the commodity at preserved condition to the buyer," he said.
The exporters are of the view that the national flag carrier - PIA - should broaden its destination base and urged the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to cut different taxes and charges for foreign airlines, so that they (foreign airlines) could resume their operations into Pakistan as well.
"Swiss Air and Singapore airlines had stopped their operations last year due to increased charges and we only had the option to approach Emirates airline, but we contacted Lufthansa cargo as Emirates airline does not cover the whole of Europe," the exporter informed.
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