News Content

Thriving air cargo market in China prompts new airlines to scramble for licenses

STRONG air freight volume growth in China has sparked a flurry of activity among airlines to either expand their service networks or commence operations, with Tianjin Airlines Cargo applying for an aircraft operating certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

Two other carriers are seeking to extend their reach and another is believed to have just received its AOC, reported UK's The Loadstar.

Reports claim Tianjin has already been granted launch approval from the CAAC, yet The Loadstar said it was unable to confirm this, noting that the most recent CAAC statement says the airline is under "preliminary examination."

The carrier plans to use Tianjin Binhai International Airport as its hub airport, and operate both domestic and international routes using a fleet of seven Boeing 737 freighters. Destination include Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

In a separate development, Jinpeng Aviation has applied to the CAAC to start three new all-cargo routes that would connect China with the US and Europe.

Jinpeng Aviation plans to launch a twice-weekly B747 service from Shanghai Pudong to Frankfurt Hahn and Ordos, via Xi'an from November 15. It also aims to commence on the same date a daily B747 service from Shanghai to Brussels and Tianjin via Zhengzhou. Plus, it wants to operate another daily B747 freighter between Shanghai and Los Angeles, with stops at Zhengzhou and Tianjin, starting from December 1.

According to Cargo Facts, another Chinese all-cargo airline, China Air Cargo, commenced operations earlier this month. It launched its maiden flight between Shenzhen and Changzhou, and is said to have a fleet of two converted B757 freighters.

In addition, China Southern (CZ) and Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo have just signed an MoU, paving the way for them to combine networks in both freighter and belly space.