Aviastar-TU plans to add more 757Fs

Russia-based Aviastar-TU will “most probably” expand its fleet with more 757Fs in 2020, the carrier confirmed to Cargo Facts. Aviastar-TU currently operates three 757-200Fs and four TU-204-100Cs.

The carrier joined the ranks of those who operate the freighter version of the 757 when it took delivery of its first 757-200PCF (25731, ex-American Airlines) in August 2018, and since then has added two more (25597, ex-Yakutia Airlines, and 25696, ex-American Airlines). Aviastar-TU said that, while it doesn’t have plans for any more aircraft this year, it is looking to add more 757Fs next year.

Apart from various domestic routes flown under a contract with Russian Post, Aviastar-TU’s operations include a number of routes connecting Chinese points like Hangzhou (HGH) and Harbin (HRB) with Yekaterinburg (SVX) and Khabarovsk (KHV), transporting e-commerce shipments on behalf of Cainiao, Alibaba’s logistics arm.

One TU-204C is operated exclusively for DHL, flying between Moscow (SVO) and Leipzig (LEJ), while one 757F (25731) has recently been based in Southeast Asia, flying from Macau (MFM) to several destinations including Manila (MNL) and Clark (CRK) under a contract with a group of e-commerce agents.