The current war escalation in the Middle East has resulted in a terrible decrease in cargo flights to this region. According to Mr. Doulis Carafil, owner of the Greek aviation services company Air Business International (ABI), four out of five cargo flights that should normally be directed to Middle Eastern airports have been suspended. "ABI is active in a number of regional countries and undertakes export cargo flights of a variety of products to the Middle East. The flight suspension affects not only for the Greek fruits and vegetables exporting flights, but also for all types of cargo flights and from all the regional countries. It is simply impossible for the freight aircrafts to reach many of these destinations."
"There are some cargo flights to Israel and Beirut, Lebanon. Despite bombings are taking place in Beirut and around the city airport, the airport itself has been kept out of the attacks. However, insurance cost to send a cargo flight there has been increased up to four times. For instance, before war broke out a 50 tons shipment of fruits and vegetables costed 150.000 euros and now costs at least 450.000 euros. The same is for cargo flights to Israel."
First air exports of Greek vegetables during November
Cargo flights to other destinations are being scheduled normally. As Mr. Carafil describes: "We deliver Cretan greenhouse vegetables to the United Kingdom. Our aviation services are highly appreciated by those exporters who want to put the first seasonal perishable products quickly, safe and fresh to the international markets and be awarded the respective premium prices."
As he estimates, the first cargo flights of Cretan greenhouse vegetables for this season will be realized at the end of November. "We also transport Greek strawberries to Northern European markets. We will start our deliveries 15 days after the harvest begins," adds Mr. Carafil. "Thanks to our experience, we guarantee the proper delivery of the fresh produce. The most reasonable option for an exporter is to charter the full capacity of a plane. This will lead to more favorable transport prices."
For more information:
Doulis Carafil
Air Business International
Tel: +30 210 996 7870
Email: [email protected]
https://www.abi.gr/