Martinair to cease Australia flights

[Blake Riley]

Amsterdam-based airline Martinair will cease its twice-weekly 747-400BCF flights into Australia in December.
The last flight (MP9171) will operate from Schiphol Airport Amsterdam to Sydney on December 22, 2008.

The specialist carrier operated its first DC10 cargo flight from Schiphol Airport to Sydney November, 1987.

Harm Winkeler, vice-president Asia Pacific for Martinair, said different developments led to the decision to cease operations to Sydney.

"First and most important was the airline's decision to further develop its growing Latin America and Africa markets, which is only possible with changes in our present network," said Winkeler. "The unprecedented increase in fuel prices put pressure on the economic viability of our Sydney operation, which has been exacerbated by the increasing trend to air/sea for cargo from Europe to Australia.

Grenville Stevens, Sydney-based manager for Martinair in Australia, said the carrier had built many strong relationships over the 21 years it has been operating to Sydney and the decision was disappointing but necessary in the current economic climate. He said the Martinair Sydney office will remain functional up to the end of February 2009 to finalise administration and ensure a smooth transition to offline status.

[Sarah C]

That's sad news - it is always good seeing thier 400 Freighters here, especially with the new livery.

[Tony G]

Another European carrier on its way out. I hope the aircraft like the A380 are economical enough to bring back some european based carriers.

[Chris Primmer]

Hey everybody! It appears that today's departure will be the last for Martinair. Is anyone able to let me know which aircraft this will be. Hopefully it is parked at the frieght centre ready for its 1.00pm departure.

ChrisP

[phil.l]

Chris PH-MPQ was on Pete`s sbs log.

[Chris Primmer]

Thanks phil l

Still took the punt and came down


ChrisP

[Sarah C]

Nice pic Chris. Shame the the bad light and weather moved in before the departure.

Farewell Martinair - hopefully you return to our shores.