CAAC grants first commercial drone operation license to SF subsidiary

Yesterday, the eastern bureau of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) granted Jiangxi Fengyu Shuntu Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of SF Holdings, the first domestic UAV Aviation License. With the license, SF Logistics now has the legal authority to operate and expand the scale of its delivery drone delivery pilot operations, which began […]

• Charles Kauffman
• March 28, 2018

Is HNA becoming a new kind of air freight conglomerate?

A few weeks ago, China-based conglomerate, HNA Group gained a foothold in the global temperature-controlled logistics business when it acquired the cool chain logistics assets of Australia-based Automotive Holdings Group (AHG). Once finalized, the acquisition will add one of the final missing links to HNA’s air freight logistics portfolio, which already includes cargo and passenger […]

• Charles Kauffman
• December 12, 2017

5 recent freighter deals that caught our eye

The velocity at which freighter aircraft are bought, sold, leased and traded can be quite rapid, especially in a healthy market for air cargo. The past few months have been no exception, and there have been numerous freighter transactions that caught our attention. But just what makes a freighter transaction stand out among the sea […]

• Charles Kauffman
• September 21, 2017

Chinese carriers to need more freighter conversions than initially forecasted

Boeing has released an updated version of its Current Market Outlook, which provides a more nuanced look at its expectations for the freighter market over the next twenty years, compared to the CMO released at this year’s Paris Air Show. The updated report is more upbeat regarding the Asia Pacific region’s projected demand for freighter […]

• Charles Kauffman
• September 8, 2017

HNA increases ties with SF Airlines

Hainan Group (HNA) subsidiary carrier Suparna Airlines (formerly known as Yangtze River Airlines) ACMI-leased a 757-200PCF from SF Airlines, and launched twice-weekly scheduled service between Zhengzhou and Taipei. The lease is for just one year, but, given that demand has long outstripped capacity at SF Express’ air arm, why would it reduce capacity by leasing […]

• Charles Kauffman
• August 21, 2017

SF Express Airlines opens new hub at Shanghai Pudong

Following the recent termination of CAAC restrictions which had for months blocked Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) from launching new flights, SF Express Airlines seized the opportunity to bring China’s most populous city into its rapidly expanding air freight network. A new 25,000 sq. meter airside terminal will allow SF to connect its expansive ground […]

• Charles Kauffman
• July 13, 2017

7 ways cross-border e-commerce is reshaping air freight logistics today

For the past two years, “cross-border e-commerce” has been the buzz-phrase of the air freight and express industry. And it’s only natural that our industry would jump on it – no other mode of transportation is better suited to ensure expedited deliveries for parcels with origins far-removed from their final destination. But, hype aside, what has […]

• Charles Kauffman
• June 5, 2017

Breaking news: UPS and SF Holdings to establish JV

On Friday morning (Beijing Standard Time), SF Holdings, the parent company of China-based SF Express and SF Airlines, and US-based express giant UPS announced plans to enter into a joint venture, in which the two companies will use their respective assets and expertise to “collaborate to develop and provide international delivery services.” The venture (subject to regulatory […]

• Charles Kauffman
• May 25, 2017