Additional A340 converted freighter added to UK-China service
24 / 11 / 2023
Source: Cargo First
European Cargo has added an extra aircraft to its service between Bournemouth Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport with more capacity set to be added next year.
The carrier first launched the service in May operating three times per week with a single converted A340 freighter with a capacity of 76 tonnes.
The number of flights was increased to six per week in September before a third aircraft was added to the operation this week.
In total, the airline now offers almost 700 tonnes of capacity per week on the route.
The service is run in partnership with Shenzhen Sharing Express Logistic-Tech Ltd and is handled by Cargo First in Bournemouth.
European Cargo chief executive David Kerr said: “In the push to improve choice and service for UK consumers, we are delighted to expand our capabilities with our mutual customer.
“By partnering with Cargo First and the team at Bournemouth, to provide effective solutions into the supply chains of expanding online retailers, we have grown our repertoire.
“Now the UK’s largest commercial freighter operator, we continue to expand our portfolio of customers and origins, with new agreements in place through 2024.
“Additional capacity coming on stream in the first quarter of 2024 is fully committed to customers looking to enhance their capabilities, deploying the uniquely tailored dual-density freighter solution offered by [us] coupled with the dedicated support of Cargo First’s fulfilment capabilities.”
Bournemouth Airport managing director Steve Gill added: “This continued growth is further evidence of Bournemouth’s increasing stature as an e-commerce gateway to the UK.
“It reflects the confidence Chinese e-tailers have in the UK e-commerce market, which remains the most mature in Europe, and growing recognition that Bournemouth is a cost-effective and uncongested alternative to the busy hub airports.”
Cargo First said that a reciprocal trade mission between Sichuan Province and Bournemouth had taken place in August.
“This included the signing of a cargo development agreement between Sichuan Province Airport Group Company and Regional & City Airports (owner of Bournemouth Airport) to provide a stable logistics channel for the import and export of e-commerce goods,” the handler explained.
Cargo First says around half of consignments from Chengdu are clearing customs locally in Bournemouth and bypassing Heathrow warehouses altogether for onward travel in the UK.
Handler Cargo First brings Bournemouth customs facility in-house
