YTO Cargo Airlines nabs 767s, moves into widebody freighters

Hangzhou-based YTO Cargo Airlines has acquired a pair of sister 767-300ERs (33423 and 33424, ex-Air Canada) and will have them converted to freighter configuration by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) [FATs 006023-6026]. The freighter redeliveries are expected by the third quarter this year, YTO confirmed to Cargo Facts. Once the twenty-four-pallet-capacity freighters enter service with YTO Cargo, the carrier will become only the second China-based operator of 767 freighters, joining SF Airlines. [caption id="attachment_415523" align="alignright" width="560"] The two 767s were parked at Marana last year. (Photo/AAM)[/caption] According to Aircraft Asset Management (AAM), which aircraft manager Arena Aviation Capital engaged during the transition and redelivery of unit 33423 from Air Canada to YTO, the 767 will depart Marana (MZJ) in late March for conversion with IAI. AAM kicked off the process around January this year, and conducted a review of the digital records as well as physical inspections at MZJ. AAM told Cargo Facts that it also expects to complete the review and inspections for unit 33424 by the end of March. Both frames were manufactured in 2003, and joined Air Canada in 2011 from Hawaiian Airlines, and were then transferred to Air Canada’s Rouge subsidiary. Both are fitted with winglets and equipped with Pratt & Whitney’s PW4060 engine. For now, YTO’s active fleet consists of three 737-300Fs and five 757-200Fs. The airline removed three 737-300Fs toward the end of 2020; one (27520) went to affiliate Northwestern Cargo International Airlines, while two (24902 and 24916) were acquired by Serve Air Cargo in the Democratic Republic of Congo. YTO was a launch customer for Boeing’s 737-800BCF conversion program and has orders for ten conversions, with options for up to ten more. While YTO had originally intended to start adding 737-800BCFs by 2020, the lack of affordable feedstock delayed the carrier’s progress. Alibaba increased its stake in YTO Express from 10.5% to 22.5% with a $970 million investment in September 2020, with the objective of supporting international expansion, according to our affiliate publication , Air Cargo World . As early as 2016, Bruce Li, chief executive of YTO Cargo Airlines, told Cargo Facts the carrier had a long-term requirement for freighter-converted 767s . Since then, 767-300ER conversion feedstock has remained a hot commodity, with Amazon, Cargo Aircraft Management, DHL Express and SF Express securing the majority of the frames coming out of passenger service. In parallel with YTO’s fleet expansion, parent YTO Express is constructing a new air hub at Jiaxing Airport (JXS) . Once completed, the airport will assume Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH) Airport’s current role as the main domestic hub for YTO Cargo Airlines. [Edited to reflect the nature of Arena Aviation Capital’s role and involvement.] Cargo Facts Asia, taking place April 20-21 as a virtual experience, is the event for exploring opportunity in the Asia-Pacific region. The event continues to bring together the best, brightest, and most innovative executives in the global air cargo industry. Learn more and register at www.cargofactsasia.com .

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