Vietravel to launch freighter ops with 737-800F

Vietnam-based Vietravel Airlines is entering the freighter market and will acquire 737-800Fs for its new Vietravel Airlines Cargo division. Vietravel has selected the 737-800BCF conversion and intends to have two of the type by yearend, the carrier told Cargo Facts , although it has not finalized an arrangement with a lessor yet. [caption id="attachment_56859866" align="alignright" width="560"] Vietravel currently has three passenger A321s. (Photo/Vietravel Airlines)[/caption] Vietravel Airlines and Vietnamese logistics company Asean Cargo Gateway have also formed a 51%-49% partnership to support the airline’s freighter operations. Vietravel said at a signing ceremony Sept. 8 that it will initially focus its cargo operations along routes between Vietnam and China, Malaysia and Indonesia, potentially doubling its fleet in its second year of operation. Vietravel told Cargo Facts that it is also considering adding an A330-300P2F with a targeted delivery date in Q3 2023, depending on the market situation. The carrier had previously trialed freighter operations by partnering with Indonesia-based My Indo Airlines on a 737-300F between Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Bangkok (BKK) and hinted to Cargo Facts that it could add its own freighters. Vietnam developments Vietravel Airlines Cargo is the latest in a string of new freighter developments in Vietnam. Low-cost carrier Vietjet Air is also planning its entry into the cargo market and told Cargo Facts in late July that it is looking to introduce a pair of Aeronautical Engineers Inc. (AEI)-converted 737-800SFs . Meanwhile, a freshly converted 737-800BCF (33567, ex-Ryanair) is nearing completion at the Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Ltd. (GAMECO) facility in Guangzhou (CAN) and is painted in the colors of new startup IPP Air Cargo. Depending on delivery timeline, IPP could become the first cargo airline for Vietnam . Additionally, Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) revealed in its Aug. 5 earnings call a deal with Vietnam Airlines to purchase two of its A321s, convert them into freighters and lease them back to the carrier, with delivery expected in 2023. Elsewhere in the Southeast Asia region, other carriers are also growing their cargo business with the latest generation of narrowbody freighters, such as Indonesia-based Rimbun Air, which this month took delivery of a 2002-vintage 737-800SF (30281, ex-Air Europa). Cargo Facts Symposium, taking place LIVE Oct. 19-21 at the InterContinental San Diego, is the essential event for stakeholders in the air cargo industry. Learn more and register today .

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