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Tag: freighter

  • Boosting Intra-Asia Trade: FedEx Launches Speedy Non-Stop Freighter Service from Guangzhou to Sydney

    Boosting Intra-Asia Trade: FedEx Launches Speedy Non-Stop Freighter Service from Guangzhou to Sydney

    Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) has expanded its intra-Asia network through introducing a dedicated, uninterrupted cargo service between its Asia-Pacific hub located in Guangzhou, China, and Sydney, Australia. This move is expected to bolster the import trade connections within Australia from several major markets spread across Asia.

    The new route, which will be serviced by Boeing 777 freighter aircrafts five times a week, promises to offer significantly faster transit periods for selected shipments originating from key Asia-Pacific markets. Customers can expect their goods to reach Australia from areas such as Southern Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand within an impressive two business days.

    Boosting Growth for Asian and Australian Businesses

    The updated service is tailored to assist Asian exporters. It offers customers from Southeast Asia, North Asia, and Greater China more direct and reliable access to the Australian market. This is a significant benefit for industries that depend on the swift, punctual delivery of high-value shipments. With the new link, businesses across the region can expect to:

    – Enhance supply chain efficiency through improved speed-to-market and reduced inventory holding costs.
    – Expand capacity for heavy-weight freight and high-value goods.
    – Foster B2B growth in time-sensitive and high-value sectors.

    Salil Chari, president of FedEx Asia Pacific, believes that this development strengthens their intra-Asia connectivity, allowing their customers to access key markets like Australia more quickly and operate with greater agility.

    Fueling the Growth Momentum of the Intra-Asia Corridor

    The intra-Asia trade recorded a revenue increase of over ten percent year-on-year in 2025, projecting the region as a significant contributor to global growth. Companies are reconfiguring their supply chains to make them faster, more regional, and resilient, making seamless air connectivity across Asia crucial. The new direct connection through the FedEx Guangzhou Hub strengthens this backbone, enhancing high-speed trade and reinforcing Asia’s role as a central player in global commerce.

    The service is part of the company’s ongoing investments that aim to strengthen connectivity. These include dedicated nonstop Guangzhou–Penang cargo flights, additional weekly freighters between Guangzhou and Bangkok, and an enhanced outbound connection from Hanoi to South Korea. These improvements assist businesses in the region to tap into growing trade flows and expand into new markets.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the new FedEx service between Guangzhou, China, and Sydney, Australia?
    The service aims to improve the import trade connections into Australia from major markets across Asia.

    How will the new FedEx service benefit businesses in the region?
    It will enhance supply chain efficiency through improved speed-to-market, expand capacity for heavyweight freight and high-value goods, and foster B2B growth in time-sensitive sectors.

    What other investments is FedEx making to strengthen connectivity in the region?
    FedEx is also investing in dedicated nonstop Guangzhou–Penang cargo flights, additional weekly freighters between Guangzhou and Bangkok, and an enhanced outbound connection from Hanoi to South Korea.

  • Emirates SkyCargo Expands Global Network with Weekly Freighter Service to Almaty, Central Asias Growing Commercial Hub

    Emirates SkyCargo Expands Global Network with Weekly Freighter Service to Almaty, Central Asias Growing Commercial Hub

    Emirates SkyCargo, the freight arm of the prominent Emirates airline, recently announced the commencement of weekly freighter flights to Almaty International Airport, Kazakhstan, starting from 16 June 2026. In what marks the company’s first foray into Central Asia, the Dubai-based flights are set to establish a robust trade channel, tying the region to the Emirates SkyCargo global network.

    Strengthening Trade Corridors

    As the major city of Kazakhstan, Almaty is a fast-developing commercial and logistical center, serving as an economic and trading nexus in Central Asia. By offering weekly freights every Tuesday, Emirates SkyCargo aims to supply over 100 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity. This will facilitate the smooth transportation of key commodities including electronics, perishables, machinery, and other consumer items between Dubai and Almaty.

    Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, noted that the decision to offer weekly freighter services to Almaty was in line with the company’s role as a global trade facilitator. He expressed optimism that the new service would provide businesses in Almaty and the surrounding region with opportunities to expand their international operations. Furthermore, it would offer the company’s global customers quick and convenient access to a strategic marketplace. Abbas also stated that the Almaty expansion supports the company’s long-term growth strategy and the D33 Dubai Economic Agenda objectives by increasing foreign trade and solidifying Dubai’s status as a global logistics hub.

    Expansion of Freighter Fleet and Network

    In response to a surge in global demand, Emirates SkyCargo has strategically expanded its freighter fleet and worldwide network. Since March 2026, the airline has taken delivery of four new Boeing 777 freighters, with six more due for delivery later this year. This will bring the total Emirates freighter fleet to 21 aircraft by December 2026. Emirates SkyCargo offers its global customers scalable and flexible cargo capacity solutions. In addition to dedicated freighter flights, the carrier also provides high-frequency bellyhold cargo capacity on Emirates’ passenger aircraft fleet, operating to destinations across six continents.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of Emirates SkyCargo’s new service to Almaty?
    The new service will open up a new channel of trade, linking Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan, to Emirates SkyCargo’s global network. It offers businesses an opportunity to expand their operations and provides global customers with a strategic marketplace.

    How does this expansion fit into Emirates SkyCargo’s broader strategy?
    The expansion aligns with the company’s long-term growth strategy and the D33 Dubai Economic Agenda objectives. It supports the company’s role as a global trade facilitator and strengthens Dubai’s standing as a global logistics hub.

    What are Emirates SkyCargo’s plans for their freighter fleet?
    With the delivery of four new Boeing 777 freighters in 2026 and six more expected later in the year, Emirates SkyCargo plans to expand its freighter fleet to 21 aircraft by the end of 2026.

  • Air China Cargo Boosts A350F Freighter Fleet to 10 with New Purchase Agreement

    Air China Cargo Boosts A350F Freighter Fleet to 10 with New Purchase Agreement

    Air China Cargo Co., Ltd. has cemented a deal with Airbus to procure an additional four A350F freighters. This agreement expands the company’s total order for this aircraft model to 10 units, supplementing the six A350F freighters previously ordered in November 2025.

    A Strategic Move

    The recent acquisition emphasizes the company’s strategy to optimize its fleet composition and enhance transportation capacity. Wang Hongyan, Air China Cargo’s Vice President, shared that the decision will enable them to align more effectively with international air cargo market demands, providing a robust groundwork for the company’s long-term consistent growth.

    Airbus’ EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, lauded Air China Cargo’s move to augment its A350F freighter order. According to him, this decision signifies the company’s unwavering confidence in Airbus products and solidifies the A350F’s leading stature as the next-generation freighter.

    Air China Cargo initiated the integration of Airbus freighters into its fleet at the close of 2023. It currently manages a fleet of eight Airbus A330-200P2F aircraft. The forthcoming inclusion of the A350F freighter will supplement the A330-200P2F freighters, maximizing their benefits on long-haul and medium-to-long-haul routes.

    The Sophistication of the A350F

    The A350F, designed to be the most advanced cargo aircraft globally, caters to the evolving needs of the international air freight market. Its range capability extends up to 8,700 kilometers with a payload capacity of up to 111 tonnes, allowing operators to utilize it on international long-haul routes. Over 70% of the A350F comprises advanced materials, making it 46 tons lighter than competitive aircraft.

    The A350F features the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, promising up to a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous generation aircraft with similar payload-range capabilities. As the only freighter that fully adheres to ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emission standards, the A350F is capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) upon entry-to-service, aiming for 100% capability by 2030.

    As of the end of April 2026, the A350F garnered 101 orders from 14 customers.

    Questions & Answers

    How many total A350F freighters has Air China Cargo ordered?
    Air China Cargo has ordered a total of 10 A350F freighters from Airbus.

    What is the range and payload capacity of the A350F?
    The A350F has a range capacity of up to 8,700 kilometers and can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes.

    What is the unique feature of the A350F in regard to emission standards?
    The A350F is the only freighter that fully meets the ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emission standards. It can operate with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel upon entry-to-service, with an aim to achieve 100% capability by 2030.

  • Emirates SkyCargo Expands into Belgium, Adds Liege to Global Freighter Network Amid Rising Cargo Demand

    Emirates SkyCargo Expands into Belgium, Adds Liege to Global Freighter Network Amid Rising Cargo Demand

    Emirates SkyCargo, renowned for being the freight division of the largest international airline worldwide, has recently announced that Liege, Belgium (LGG) is the newest addition to its freighter network. A considerable enlargement of their network is planned throughout the next year, with Liege being the inaugural freighter destination for 2026.

    Strategic Location

    Liege Airport is strategically located within the Amsterdam-Paris-Frankfurt production ‘golden triangle’. Its prime location, combined with unmatched road connectivity, makes it one of the rapidly expanding cargo hubs globally. In 2025, the airport saw a 14% increase in cargo volumes. Over the past years, Emirates SkyCargo has utilized Liege Airport for sporadic freighters, transporting specialized items such as freshly cut flowers, e-commerce packages, and specific charters for horses headed for global competitions. With the continuing demand, the airline will now deploy five weekly freighters, enhancing cargo capacity by 500 tonnes each week to facilitate quick, reliable, and efficient movement of goods.

    Expanded Connections

    Among the five weekly freighters, three will provide connections between Liege, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, and Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. These connections will ensure the safe transportation of crucial, temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products through a seamless and efficient cool chain. The remaining two freighters will commence in Hong Kong and transport e-commerce shipments to and via Liege.

    Khawla Abdulla, Vice President of Cargo Commercial for Europe, Emirates SkyCargo, highlights that establishing Liege as a permanent fixture in their freighter network is a strategic decision that enhances their European footprint and offers more connectivity for their global customers. She estimates considerable growth with the deployment of the five weekly freighters, considering the successful transportation of over 15,000 tonnes of cargo from Belgium in 2025. The high-quality infrastructure, freighter-first operations, and well-connected logistics at Liege Airport further support their aim to provide high-level service to Belgium and its neighboring countries.

    Torsten Wefers, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Liege Airport, expressed his honor at Emirates Sky Cargo’s decision to include Liege Airport in their global freighter network. He views this development as a testament to Liege Airport’s rising importance in the European air cargo industry and further strengthens its position as the largest European freighter hub.

    Continued Expansion

    Europe remains a vital and bustling region for Emirates SkyCargo, with 38 freighters and 538 passenger flights serving it weekly. The airline is planning further expansion, recently announcing the commencement of passenger operations to Helsinki, Finland, in October 2026. With a tentative delivery of up to 10 new Boeing 777Fs by December 2026, along with the continued delivery of passenger aircraft, Emirates SkyCargo is poised for growth and service to more destinations with its top-tier product and service.

    Questions & Answers

    What percentage increase in cargo volumes did Liege Airport see in 2025?
    The airport saw a 14% increase in cargo volumes in 2025.

    How many weekly freighters will Emirates SkyCargo deploy to Liege?
    Emirates SkyCargo plans to deploy five weekly freighters to Liege.

    What is the significance of adding Liege to Emirates SkyCargo’s freighter network?
    This strategic addition enhances the company’s European footprint, providing more connectivity for their global customers, and facilitating the efficient and reliable transportation of various goods.

  • Air China Cargo Leaps Ahead with First-ever A350F Freighter Purchase in Mainland China

    Air China Cargo Leaps Ahead with First-ever A350F Freighter Purchase in Mainland China

    Air China Cargo has made history by becoming the first purchaser of the highly-anticipated A350F on the Chinese mainland, following the signing of a purchase agreement for six units of the cutting-edge aircraft.

    Boosting Efficiency with the A350F

    According to Wang Hongyan, the Vice President of Air China Cargo, the inclusion of the A350F in the company’s diverse cargo fleet will bolster operational and maintenance efficiency. He believes that the A350F will enhance the airline’s resilience and ensure its long-term stability.

    Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, expressed his delight in welcoming Air China Cargo as the newest customer for the A350F. The advanced aircraft is expected to bring unprecedented capacity, loading flexibility, and next-generation efficiency and performance to the company. Airbus is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for Air China Cargo with the integration of the A350F.

    Air China Cargo’s Expanding Operations

    Air China Cargo, which is based in Beijing, proudly carries the Chinese national flag and stands as the country’s sole cargo airline to do so. Since June 2025, the airline has been managing all cargo aircraft operations across North, East, South, and Southwest China. The organization has established 25 exclusive cargo routes connecting major regions and cities across the globe, including destinations in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. This extensive network is further complemented by over 1,500 ground trucking routes worldwide.

    The Advanced A350F Aircraft

    The A350F, known as the most technologically advanced freighter aircraft in the world, is designed to cater to the changing demands of the global air cargo market. It boasts a maximum capacity of 111 tonnes and a range of 8,700 km. Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F promises a reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 40% compared to its predecessors.

    Constructed with over 70% advanced materials, the A350F is significantly lighter than its rivals, weighing in at 46 tonnes less. Its main deck cargo door is also the largest in the industry. The aircraft fully complies with the ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ standards, and by the time it is commissioned, it is expected to be 50% SAF capable, with an ambition of reaching 100% by 2030. The assembly of test aircraft is currently in progress in Toulouse.

    By the conclusion of October 2025, the newest widebody A350 Family had received a total of 1,445 orders from 63 different global customers. This includes 74 orders for the all-new A350F from 12 different customers.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the A350F’s cargo capacity and range?
    The A350F can carry up to 111 tonnes and cover a range of 8,700 km.

    What is the expected reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions with the A350F?
    The A350F, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, is expected to offer up to a 40% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

    How does the A350F stand in comparison to its competitors in terms of weight?
    The A350F is made of over 70% advanced materials, making it lighter than its competitors by 46 tonnes. It also features the industry’s largest main deck cargo door.

  • AirAsia to add first dedicated freighter in 3Q21

    AirAsia to add first dedicated freighter in 3Q21

    AirAsia Group has announced it would significantly expand its presence on the cargo market with the planned addition of its first dedicated freighter, a B737-800(F), in the third quarter of 2021.

    The Boeing dedicated freighter will be based out of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi from where it will operate on behalf of Air Asia’s logistics arm, Teleport, to regional destinations in South-East Asia, India, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong Int’l. The group did not disclose the identity or the exact variant of the aircraft. It also did not specify the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) on which the aircraft would be placed. ch-aviation has reached out to the group for comment.

    “It was evident at the end of last year that the demand for cargo capacity was not going to be served with passenger belly capacity alone in the long run. So, we evaluated the option to utilize dedicated freighters to transport cargo. This is also part of our strategy to build the capacity and connectivity to offer 24 hours door-to-door delivery across all of Southeast Asia,” Teleport’s Chief Operating Officer Adrian Loretz said.

    Teleport’s spokesperson Jessica Tan told ch-aviation that the aircraft will be operated by a third-party cargo airline on behalf of the logistics arm of AirAsia Group and not by any of AirAsia-branded airlines. She did not, however, disclose the identity of the operator just yet.

    The group will also remove seats from two A320-200s to use them as makeshift freighters on behalf of Teleport. One of the pair of Airbus narrowbodies will be based out of Bangkok Don Mueang and the other out of Kuala Lumpur Int’l.

    The first dedicated freighter and the two makeshift converted aircraft will complement the existing fleet of non-converted passenger aircraft used by AirAsia Group for Teleport’s operations. The holding said that last month, it had operated two A320-200s and six A330-300s for cargo-only flights on behalf of its in-house logistics arm.