West Atlantic reduces its deficit on strong revenue growth

High costs prevented cargo airline West Atlantic from making a profit again last year, although its losses narrowed. The Swedish carrier, which will be the launch customer for 737-800 freighters this year, blamed its loss of Skr61.6m ($7.5m) on the need to charter aircraft because of late deliveries from Boeing, 767 maintenance costs and coast arising from parking its BAe turboprop fleet, reported ATW. However, it expects a good 2018, driven by ecommerce growth, and it expected to renegotiate contracts which were below market rates. It expects the first 737-800F to arrive this month.