AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) has reinforced its position by reporting a 20% increase in tonnage for the first quarter of 2015, continuing the trend set by previous years.

In the January 1-March 31 period this year, ABC carried 103,816 tonnes across its international route network connecting customers in Europe, the United States and Asia Pacific through its hub in Moscow.

Denis Ilin, Executive President of AirBridgeCargo, said: '20% growth of tonnage and 28% growth of FTK is a solid first quarter performance. The successful teamwork and continuous implementation of our customer-based long-term strategy made it possible to achieve such good operating results. Our route network development is based upon a quick reaction to changing customer demand and our flexibility, together with the reliability of our service levels, has enabled us to gain their growing support. Adding more capacity at the beginning of 2015 allowed us to maintain and even improve our leading positions in our core markets in Europe, the U.S. and Asia by increasing frequencies out of these regions and opening new on-line stations. In January 2015 we started operations in Helsinki, and since the commencement of our summer schedule, we have also launched Los Angeles and Hanoi services ahead of our initial business plan targets.'

By adding new destinations and improving connectivity with its Moscow hub, ABC is able to offer an increased choice of delivery solutions for its international customers. At present the airline operates scheduled flights to 26 destinations in 14 countries using its enlarged fleet of 14 Boeing 747 family aircraft. ABC continues to invest in human resources and has increased the number of its own sales teams, which now provide local support to customers in 20 major cities worldwide.

'Together with our vigorous development, we are also focused on cost efficiency by optimisation of our network via hub business model, internal processes and cost management. Thus we have achieved a 20% reduction is operational costs per landing for the first quarter of this year ,' added Igor Telpukhovskiy, ABC’s Chief Financial Officer.

For 2015 ABC plans to continue investment in its fleet, service quality, route network and its international team of professionals, alongside its strong focus on cost management and process optimisation.