Singapore Airlines commended on Perth/Singapore air freight service

29/4/95

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today congratulated Singapore Airlines for introducing Western Australia's first dedicated air freight service between Perth and Singapore.

Mr Charlton said the new service, which is subject to final approval by the Commonwealth Government, would see up to 50 tonnes of cargo air lifted out of Perth each week and was further evidence of the success of the State's Air Freight Export Council (AFEC).

Singapore Airlines has announced that beginning on May 3, it would trial a dedicated weekly freighter service between Perth and Singapore.

"The once-a-week service will provide an additional 50 tonnes of freight capacity for local exporters of perishable products and livestock," the Minister said.

"I strongly urge local producers and exporters to support this additional service out of Perth to ensure its continuance."

Mr Charlton said that AFEC, established by the State Government last year to improve the co-ordination of WA's perishable exports and help guarantee a steady supply of air freight space, was involved in discussions with Singapore Airlines.

"Lack of capacity for exporting our perishable commodities was the main reason why the Government felt it necessary to set up AFEC, and this arrangement with Singapore Airlines is a significant, positive outcome of that new process," he said.

"The new dedicated freighter service will provide a boost to WA exporters out of Perth, because Singapore Airlines has been gradually converting its passenger services to smaller Airbus aircraft, which have less space for freight.

"The aircraft to be used on the Perth-Singapore route will provide the only main deck loading capability out of Perth for oversize cargo.

"The service is ideal for transporting race horses, for which there is a big market in Singapore."

WA exports about $300 million worth of perishables by air each year with the industry growing at a healthy 25 per cent per annum.

These include live lobster to Japan, seafood, meat and dairy products, wildflowers, fruit and vegetables and livestock.

Media contact: Ian Hasleby 321 7333