Mozambique Airlines (LAM) has debuted its latest addition to the fleet, a Boeing 737-300F cargo aircraft, aimed at fortifying the airline’s cargo operations.
With a hauling capacity of 17 tonnes, this move is expected to bolster LAM’s cargo handling capabilities by 69 percent.
Speaking at the ceremony introducing the new cargo service in Maputo, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, Amilton Alissone (MTC), hailed the investment in the cargo aircraft as a pivotal milestone in LAM’s restructuring efforts.
“We are celebrating this significant achievement, confident that the country and the region will benefit from improved goods mobility and expedited cargo dispatch,” Alissone remarked.
He emphasized the potential for the air cargo transport market in Mozambique to become more attractive, anticipating enhanced fares and economies of scale resulting from the freighter’s operations.
Alissone expressed optimism regarding LAM’s trajectory towards stability, citing the expansion of the airline’s fleet, increased domestic frequencies, and the opening of new routes under the management of South African company Fly Modern Ark (FMA).
Theunis Crous, LAM’s newly appointed general manager, highlighted the Boeing 737-300F’s significance as a milestone in the airline’s cargo operations.
“This aircraft signifies an enhancement in capacity and services, a culmination of rigorous efforts over the past eight months,” Crous stated.
In addition to the Boeing 737-300F, LAM’s cargo fleet comprises various aircraft, including a Boeing 737-700 NG, three Bombardier Q 400s, three Bombardier CRJ 900s, three Embraer 145s, and a Boeing 777-200 ER, each contributing to the airline’s cargo transport capabilities.
Despite the progress achieved, Alissone stressed the importance of continued commitment and engagement from LAM’s staff and management to attain desired levels of efficiency and effectiveness.
