CAL Cargo Air Lines celebrated 30th anniversary

CAL Cargo Air Lines which operates scheduled cargo flights carrying perishable goods and general cargo from Israel to Europe and the rest of the world celebraed last week its 30th anniversary
 
The celebration took place at the new "Avenue" congress centre at Airport City with the participation of over 1,000 guests.
 
The airline was established in June 1976 and started operations on 2nd November 1976 . It started as a charter carrier leasing aircraft from El Al as required. It began operating scheduled services using its own aircraft from 1st Dcember 1999.. It is wholly owned by Israel's Organisation of Agricultural Co-operatives.
 
Its main base is Ben Gurion international airport, Tel Aviv and it has hubs at Bierset Airport (LGG), Liege and Schiphol International Airport.
 
C.A.L. has specialized over the years in dealing with perishable and other agricultural products with all infrastructures, such as cold and frozen warehouses and lots of experienced staff for such special cargo building, loading and storage demands.
 
Mr. Eitan Ben David, C.A.L's chairman said that last year was the first profitable year since the company was set up. In 2005 the company made a profit of US$529,000 compared to US$4 millions loss in 2004 and US$18 millions in 2003, the worst ever year. According to Ben David the company applied several harsh economic measures to cut costs, including the closing of unprofitable lines to Africa, Atlanta and Chicago.
 
Ben David added that financially 2006 will be a better year compared to last year mainly due to better cargo mix which enable the company to overcome seasonal variations and offer more cargo capacity for export during the winter season.