SF Airlines adds second 747-400ERF

• Charles Kauffman
• September 9, 2019
• Aircraft, All Posts, Carriers, E-Commerce, Features, Production Freighters

Shenzhen-based SF Airlines’ second 747-400ERF (35174, ex-Jade Cargo) has officially joined the carrier’s freighter fleet [FAT 005129]. Including the 757-200PCF (29441, ex-TUI Airways) redelivered to SF last week, the carrier’s fleet now numbers 57 freighters. The widebody freighter was one of a pair of 747-400ERFs SF won in an auction that took place on Alibaba’s […]

Express companies attempt to shift from serving as mere e-commerce delivery subcontractors

• Frederic Horst
• September 6, 2019
• Cargo Facts Consulting, Carriers, Express, Features, News, Strategy

In mid-September, Cargo Facts Consulting will publish a new report, the Global E-Commerce Logistics Outlook, to help companies craft their strategies towards a segment that has become increasingly important in logistics. This is the third of a series of articles leading up to the publication of the report that provides a window into our research.  […]

Aviastar-TU plans to add more 757Fs

• Jeff Lee
• July 22, 2019
• Aircraft, All Posts, Capacity & Demand, Carriers, E-Commerce, Features, Narrowbody Conversions

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 […]

E-commerce and freighters part II: Partnering on Asia-Pacific fulfillment

• Caryn Livingston
• June 27, 2019
• E-Commerce, Strategy

Yesterday, in part I of our feature on e-commerce and freighters, we explored the rise of the own-operated network for e-commerce fulfillment in the United States. In part II today, we consider how e-tailers in the Asia-Pacific region are utilizing partner capacity to fulfill growing e-commerce demand in the region.  Across the Pacific Ocean, Chinese e-tail […]

YTO to launch China-Malaysia ops for Cainiao next month

• Chelsea Toczauer
• June 7, 2019
• All Posts, Carriers, E-Commerce, Strategy

YTO Cargo Airlines said it will launch a service between Changsha (CSX) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL) on behalf of Chinese e-giant Alibaba’s logistics arm, Cainiao, in July. In the second half of the year, YTO Cargo Airlines will also seek to expand its network to Pakistan, while increasing frequencies to Saigon (SGN) and Manila (MNL). […]

Cainiao shifts focus to import logistics as trade war intensifies

• Charles Kauffman
• May 21, 2019
• E-Commerce, News, Update

China-based Alibaba Group made no attempt to avoid discussion of the trade war following the release of its Q419 earnings. Instead, during a call with analysts this week, company CEO Daniel Zhang called the tense negotiations between the United States and China, “an opportunity for the Chinese economy.” Rather than focus on export declines, “China […]

Atran’s new Cainiao cross-border flight one piece to carrier’s 737-800BCF puzzle

• Charles Kauffman
• May 20, 2019
• All Posts, Carriers, E-Commerce

Russia-based Atran will operate a weekly scheduled flight between Hangzhou (HGH) and Riga (RIX) via Moscow Vnukovo (VKO) and other intermediate airports for Alibaba’s logistics-arm, Cainiao. The flight will utilize the carrier’s sole 737-800BCF, which Atran added to its fleet in January (32616, ex-NOK air) on lease from GECAS [FAT 004768]. Although the new route […]

CFA: Alibaba planning additional charter flights to accommodate growth [VIDEO]

• Charles Kauffman
• May 9, 2019
• Cargo Facts Asia, E-Commerce, Video

Last month at Cargo Facts Asia in Shanghai, Terry Xie, Head of Global Linehaul & Planning, Cainiao, told conference delegates that the smart logistics platform expects that as cross-border e-commerce volumes grow, it will rely on an increasing number of charter flights to meet demand. “When we try to plan our network globally, there are […]