JD Logistics prepares to launch with 737-800Fs

JD Logistics, which was spun-out from Chinese e-tailer JD.com earlier this year, is preparing to launch its own cargo airline, with a 737-800BCF (32687, ex-Xiamen Airlines) emerging from freighter conversion emblazoned in a red JD Airlines livery. Although the airline has yet to receive an air operator’s certificate, it is tracking a path towards sizable own-controlled operations under the umbrella of an e-tailer — a path charted by Amazon. [caption id="attachment_413840" align="alignright" width="560"] JD began chartering 737-300F capacity from Loong Air last year. (Photo/JD.com)[/caption] The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) approved JD Logistics’ request to establish a joint-venture carrier with the Nantong Airport Group on Aug. 2, 2021. According to an approval notice from the CAAC, the airline will launch with starting capital of 600 million yuan ($93.3 million). JD controls a 75% majority stake in the airline through a CNY450 million investment made by its affiliate, Suqian Jingdong Zhanrui Enterprise Management Co. The Jiangsu province-based airport group offered up CNY 50 million for a 25% stake. Jiangsu JD Cargo Airlines as the carrier is known will operate out of Nantong Xingdong International Airport (NTG). Start-up plans call for a modest fleet of 737-800Fs, according to CAAC filings. Long-term, the airline has much more ambitious plans. The airline is targeting a fleet of 100 aircraft or more by 2030, according to Yui Yu, CEO of JD Logistics, in an Oct. 18 interview with Bloomberg. Long-haul freighters will factor into the mix as JD Logistics plans to open up long-haul air cargo routes to Europe and North America to facilitate cross-border e-commerce trade, according to Yu. JD Logistics did not respond to a request for comment on its fleet development plans. Returning to the 737-800BCF, GECAS had sent the 2007-vintage aircraft to the STAECO facility in Jinan in April 2021 for conversion. The aircraft is currently still registered to GECAS, the largest customer for 737-800BCF conversions to date. GECAS declined to confirm if the aircraft was still in its leasing portfolio, or if it is being sold. According to CAAC rules for start-up airlines, operators are required to own at least one aircraft in their fleet. JD Airlines plans to operate a mix of owned and leased aircraft, according to Yu. Even though the new venture will soon have its first freighter, it could still be months yet before the launch of commercial operations. New operators are required to have three aircraft on their air operator’s certificate to launch, according to a source familiar with airline operations in China. Historically, most operators have taken one year or longer from CAAC approval until AOC issuance. JD Airlines follows JD Logistics’ $3.2 billion IPO in May . Cargo Facts Symposium, taking place LIVE Oct. 25-27 at the Wynn Las Vegas, is the essential event for stakeholders in the air cargo industry. Learn more and register at www.cargofactssymposium.com .

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