SIA Cargo, China Cargo Airlines start Singapore-Shanghai freight link

SINGAPORE Airlines Cargo (SIA) has commenced freighter services between Singapore and Shanghai that are jointly operated with China Cargo Airlines, using Boeing 744 and MD11 freighters.

"We have anticipated a greater partnership with China Cargo Airlines since we signed the joint venture agreement in 2010," said Singapore Airlines Cargo president Tan Kai Ping. SIA Cargo owns a 16 per cent equity interest in China Cargo Airlines.

According to China Cargo Airlines president Zhu Yimin, the joint freighter services will enable the two airlines to tap into each other's network through their hubs at Shanghai-Pudong and Singapore-Changi.

"There will be more direct access to destinations in domestic China on China Cargo's network while we will be able to tap on Singapore Airlines Cargo's network in the Middle East, Africa, Australia and Latin America, thereby providing a more comprehensive and extensive network for customers of both airlines," said Mr Zhu.

Joint freighter services are part of wide-ranging initiatives between the two airlines. These include enhanced system integration and more integrated ground handling at the carriers' to improve transshipment times, a joint company statement said.