Star Air Cargo's Switch to Passenger ACMI - What Do You Think?

So, I just read that Star Air Cargo in South Africa is switching from their usual cargo flights to passenger ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) ops. Kinda interesting move, right? I guess with the pandemic, a lot of cargo airlines did really well, so it's curious to see them now pivoting to passengers.

I think this could be a smart move if they've got the right aircraft for it. Passenger ACMI can be pretty lucrative, especially with airlines needing extra capacity or when they're dealing with maintenance issues. But I wonder how easy it is for a cargo-focused airline to make that transition. I mean, it's gotta be a bit of a learning curve, right?

Anyone know if Star Air Cargo has done something like this before, or if they're totally new to the passenger side? And what about the demand for ACMI in Africa? I feel like it could be a growing market, but maybe someone with more insight can weigh in.

It's pretty cool that airlines are adapting and finding new ways to stay afloat. What do you guys think - is this a smart move for Star Air Cargo, or are they taking a big risk here?

Switching from cargo to passenger ACMI could be pretty challenging for Star Air Cargo. They've been all about cargo, so moving to the passenger side means learning a whole new set of skills. Plus, they'll need to ensure they've got the right aircraft and crews trained up. I wonder if there's enough demand in Africa for this to pay off. Anyone know if there are specific routes or airlines they're targeting with this shift? Could be a smart pivot, but definitely not without its hurdles.

I think it's a bold move. Passenger ACMI can be profitable, but it's a whole different ballgame from cargo. Crew training, in-flight services, customer experience-all that stuff's new if they've been cargo-only. I'm curious if they've acquired any passenger aircraft or if they're leasing them. Africa's aviation market's growing, so there might be some demand, but it's also unpredictable. Anyone know if they're partnering with any airlines to get this off the ground?