The turnkey solutions provider of comprehensive airport and aviation services in Bahrain, MENA Aerospace Enterprises, is launching a new division – MENA Cargo.
The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications’ Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) department has officially awarded an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to MENA Cargo, which sits under the MAE Aircraft Management WLL branch of MENA Aerospace Enterprises WLL.
This means that MENA Cargo is now officially open for business, as its personnel, assets and systems have been approved to begin commercial operations.
MENA Cargo is the newest dedicated full-service cargo airline to enter the MENA region, and the third freighter operator in The Kingdom of Bahrain.
The timing is opportune; demand for air cargo is surging, mainly due to increasing global e-commerce, and there is a simultaneous capacity shortage, partly because so many passenger planes remain grounded.
Although coronavirus pandemic shutdowns diminished many aviation companies, MENA Aerospace Enterprises’ Leadership made the decision to expand the Group’s services by establishing the new cargo airline in late 2020.
Overheads were kept lean during the startup phase, and the team still met training and compliance goals ahead of schedule.
Dr. Mohammed Juman, MENA Aerospace Enterprises founder and managing director, comments: “As a group we have been well-positioned to pivot our strategy in the face of many challenges, in order to take advantage of new opportunities.
“We have also been fortunate to attract top talent to shape and lead MENA Cargo; Brian Hogan and Peter Hewett are well-known in the cargo aviation world, and especially within the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.”
MENA Cargo is set to offer both scheduled operations and opportunities for ad hoc charters.
Initially, it will operate within the GCC and India, with plans to soon expand into North and Eastern Africa. Assets and operations are structured to offer maximum flexibility for adding international markets according to clients’ needs.
Brian Hogan, accountable manager for MENA Cargo, states: “Our goal is to support the markets within the Middle East, as well as the evolving niche markets in the African region and beyond, by working together with local and global partners.
“We aim to be the most efficient operation in the region, with the added benefit of facilitating broader economic growth.
“This will be achieved by offering key strategic routes that are currently underserved by other carriers, and also through our ability to provide charter solutions.”
MENA Cargo will enable the swift delivery of products across a range of categories: from industrial shipments such as vehicles and oversized machinery; to time-sensitive shipments like pharmaceuticals, fresh flowers and live animals; and high-security shipments involving high value or dangerous goods.
The Bahrain Global Sea-Air Logistics Hub was launched last month. It is the fastest regional multi-modal logistics hub in the Middle East, saving customers time and cost.
Peter Hewett, MENA Cargo director of ground operations and procurement, says: “The MENA Cargo team comprises an experienced aviation management cadre supported by an enthusiastic staff, all of whom embody the core principles of having a can-do attitude and paying attention to details.”
MENA Cargo currently has one Boeing 737-300 converted freighter, with a payload capacity of up to 17,000kgs, in its fleet.
It is in final discussions to secure a second. Furthermore, negotiations have begun for an additional Boeing 737 NG cargo aircraft, which would offer an increased payload with an extended operating range.
The MENA Aerospace Group will be participating in the upcoming Dubai Airshow from the 14th to the 18th of November.
MENA Cargo was first established in 2020 as a brand under MAE Aircraft Management WLL, which is part of Mena Aerospace Enterprises WLL. It was awarded an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) by Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications’ Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) department in 2021.
MENA Cargo is based in Bahrain, and provides scheduled as well as charter air freight services across underserved markets in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Its assets and operations are structured to afford maximum flexibility at minimal costs.
A key feature of MENA Cargo’s operations is its efficient Smart Booking System for registered agents.
