ABX Air to Operate Cargo Aircraft for All Nippon Airways

US-based ABX Air has entered into a two-year ACMI agreement to operate two 767-200 aircraft for Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways Company (ANA), beginning May 15, 2007.

The agreement, with an option for annual renewals, will provide support for ANA’s cargo operations throughout the Asian market including Japan, China and Thailand. ABX Air had announced on February 8 that it was in discussions with ANA.

This watershed agreement marks the first time the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has approved a foreign carrier to conduct cargo aircraft operations on behalf of a Japanese airline.

Revenue from this ACMI agreement is expected to be approximately $22 million on an annualized basis for the two aircraft.

“We are honored to have been granted this authority and are excited at the prospect of entering the Asian market,” Joe Hete, president and CEO, said. “The Asian economy is the fastest growing market in the world, and this agreement underscores ABX’s commitment to grow its presence as an international provider of aircraft and aircraft-related services.”