Cargolux is planning to lift rates to Africa to offset the cost of implementing safety measures to combat the Ebola virus.
The Luxembourg cargo airline serves a total of 11 destinations on the continent, the vast majority in West and Central Africa.
A spokesperson for the Luxembourg cargo airline confirmed the move.
The general rate increase will apply to all Cargolux flights to and from Africa, effective 1 October and will be levied on a per kg basis,” she explained but declined to disclose the amount.
Much of the cost incurred from the safety measures stems from Cargolux’s decision to deploy double crews on its African flights.
It has instructed crews not to leave the flight deck during stopovers at African cities in order to avoid any contact with local ground handling personnel. When one crew is on duty, the other is resting in the upper deck section of the freighter aircraft.
Normal lay-over and rest period practice would see crews accommodated in local hotels.
Cargolux is also considering equipping crews with protective clothing to prevent any risks of Ebola contamination. This special kit would be worn by crew members on landing at African airports and only removed just before takeoff.
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