Swiss to offer up passenger aircraft for cargo flights

Swiss WorldCargo, the air cargo division of SWISS, will operate cargo-only flights on some passenger aircraft beginning this week.

Swiss WorldCargo is a belly carrier, transporting high-value and care-intensive goods on the existing SWISS passenger network.

In these unprecedented times, the carrier is committed to continue maintaining global supply chains and delivering goods on behalf of its customers.

This week, Swiss WorldCargo will fly twice between Zurich and Hong Kong, the first of several planned charter flights.

The route will be serviced by the Airbus A340-300, and additional destinations and aircraft may be selected based on customer needs for global shipping.

“Despite the slowdown in global air travel, we are seeing an ongoing demand for the transportation of goods,” said Ashwin Bhat, head of cargo, Swiss International Air Lines.

“At Swiss WorldCargo, we are therefore committed to supporting logistics and customer needs, especially for the shipping of sensitive goods such as medicines or pharmaceuticals. We aim to continue to offer the Swiss quality and consistency we are known for throughout the industry.”

Over the last few days several other airlines have taken similar steps:

• United to operate 40 cargo-only PAX flights per week

• American Airlines announces cargo-only PAX flights

• Delta Cargo launches charter services in response to COVID-19

• IAG offers PAX aircraft for cargo charter