7Air Cargo prepares for launch

The United States will soon get a new freighter operator when Miami-based 7Air Cargo gains certification. The startup airline has agreed to lease two 2006-vintage 737-800SFs from Aircastle as its first freighters. The first of those (34799, ex-SpiceJet) finished receiving its new paint job in Goodyear, Ariz., (GYR) this week. 7Air Cargo expects to start flying proving runs in March and hopes to obtain its AOC in April. “We’re on track as of today,” Chief Executive Amos Rodriguez says in this week’s episode of the “Cargo Facts Connect” podcast. 7Air is part of Xtreme Holdings and is in discussions with cargo customers. It will not only operate charters but will also move its own freight, Rodriguez said. With the first two 737-800SFs secured, 7Air is considering adding more 737-800 freighters and is even looking at widebodies. “As far as the first route, we are concentrating on Central America,” Vice President of Commercial Operations Carlos Cock says. “There’ll be several destinations within Central America.” Tune in to this week’s podcast to hear more on 7Air Cargo’s plans as Rodriguez and Cock speak with Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee.