Malaysia will soon have a fifth freighter operator in the form of new startup Kargo Xpress.
What could be the carrier’s first aircraft — a 737-400F (26605, ex-Connect Cargo) — has been spotted in Kargo Xpress’ livery being prepared for delivery by Vallair at its MRO base in Montpellier (MPL).
The aircraft carried out a test flight at MPL on Feb. 2.
Kargo Xpress is affiliated with M Jets International, a charter operator whose parent, MMAG Holdings, acquired its 80% stake last July. When the deal was announced, MMAG outlined plans to “expand its courier and logistics services by providing the air cargo space which is highly in demand by the industry players and air cargo delivery to underserved routes,” according to a financial disclosure on the Malaysian stock exchange.
Malaysian outlet the New Straits Times reported in November 2020 that M Jets plans to introduce two 737-400Fs, then expected by mid-December. The inaugural flight had been targeted for early February 2021.
Kargo Xpress could not immediately be reached for comment.
Unit 26605 was one of two PEMCO-converted 737-400Fs Vallair had leased to Brazil-based Connect Cargo in 2019 for a short period. Both freighters were repossessed last year and were ferried back to MPL in August. The other 737 (27087) was leased to Burkina Faso-based Liza Transport International at the end of 2020.
The other Malaysia-based freighter operators are: Malaysia Airlines, with three A330-200Fs; Raya Airways, with a 737-400F and two 767-200Fs; World Cargo Airlines, with a 737-400F and a 737-800F; and My Jet Xpress, with three 737-300Fs and a 737-400F.
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