DUS Cargo Reports Freight Avalanche

CCS was informed of the Civil Aviation Authority’s decision on 16 March, after LBA watchdogs had inspected the ground handler’s premises at Dusseldorf Airport and checked their documentation, sources say. Quite a blow for their business, because being deprived of the RA status, CCS is no longer allowed to handle any export shipments at their on-airport facility until further notice.

Special handling requirements
Conversely, this caused a stream of additional goods flooding the cargo facility of competitor DUS Cargo. Their managers speak of a “substantial increase” in volume. All of these goods, without exception, have to meet special handling requirements, be it that the boxes or packages are X-rayed, their contents hand-searched or for instance simply visually controlled. A time consuming task that comes on top of DUS Cargo’s own volumes that need to be secured by licensed staff in accord with European legislation in order to meet common security rules and standards sufficient to allow carriage of cargo or mail on any type of aircraft.

New staff to be hired
Ali Babolsari, Manager Marketing & Sales at DUS Cargo explained to CargoForwarder Global: “We are overwhelmed with inquiries and shipments, which we are currently processing.” By addressing forwarding agents and shippers directly, he asks for their understanding that the flood of additional goods reaching DUS Cargo results in a time-intensive handling, which can lead to extended waiting times, both physically and administratively. “To ease the situation we do all possible to speed up the processes, however, under the current circumstances no guarantees can be given,” Ali notes.

Simultaneously, the airport welcomed with Air Seychelles its latest client. The carrier’s first flight took place on 31 March, deploying an Airbus A330-200, capable of uplifting 12 tons each flight. The route Male-Dusseldorf-Male is served twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays. 

Heiner Siegmund