News / CargoLogic Germany finally cleared for take off

CargoLogic Germany (CLG) has finally received its air operator’s certificate (AOC) from the German Aviation Authority (LBA).   

A spokesperson confirmed to The Loadstar it has also received its European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) permit, clearing it for commercial services, although these are yet to start.  

“We are actively engaged with potential customers at the moment and expect the first flight imminently,” said the spokesperson.   

“The first flight will be on D-ACLG – our first B737-400SF – but the specifics of when and where remain to be seen.”  

The all-cargo carrier will initially focus on providing short-term capacity across Europe, using a fleet of two 737 freighters and an unnamed type “well–suited” to the European express market.  

It has plans to add a further eight 737s to its fleet by the end of 2020, and will be based out of Leipzig/Halle, where it claims there are several “key” customers.  

In June, the carrier received a non-commercial LBA permit that allowed it to run test flights, which it has been conducting on a twice–weekly basis.    

However, some – including Lufthansa Cargo chief Peter Gerber – had wondered whether CLG was truly European owned or controlled, a prerequisite for AOC approval, or whether it was in fact part of the Volga-Dnepr group.   

“These claims are wholly untrue, CLG is an independent airline sat outside of the Volga-Dnepr group with no meaningful ties,” said the spokesperson.  

“The only tie between the carriers is a common shareholder, Alexey Isaykin, who is VD’s majority shareholder, but he runs his interests in VD and CLG through separate companies.”   

Mr Isaykin, a Cypriot and therefore an EU national, runs his CLG interests through a UK-based company.