MSC Air Cargo has launched its first commercial flight from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
The route Malpensa-Hong Kong-Malpensa will be operated twice a week. The occasion marks the expansion of MSC Air Cargo’s network and capabilities with the delivery of its fifth MSC-branded aircraft, the Boeing 777-200 Freighter (I-MSCA), operated by AlisCargo Airlines.
SAS Shipping Agencies Services Sàrl, a wholly owned subsidiary of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA, started the acquisition of AlisCargo Airlines in August 2023 and completed it a few weeks ago reaching 100 per cent ownership.
The addition of AlisCargo’s expertise and resources, combined with a new state-of-the-art Boeing 777-200 Freighter, will support and enhance MSC Air Cargo’s pursuit, the shipping giant reported.
Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President of MSC Air Cargo, commented: “The completion of the acquisition of AlisCargo and the receipt of this aircraft represent significant milestones for MSC strategy in the air cargo business.
“With our own European Air Operator Certificate (AOC), we enhance our efficiency and capabilities to better serve our customer base and trade lanes. Our mission remains unchanged – to be a customer-centric company, offering specialised and tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients.”
“The 777 Freighter is the world’s largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter,” said Ricardo Cavero, Vice President Commercial Sales & Marketing Europe & Israel, The Boeing Company.
“We wish MSC every success as it launches the first commercial flight to be operated by AlisCargo Airlines and look forward to many years of partnership as it grows its air cargo division.”
Last month, MSC announced it reached an agreement with premier technology startup NYSHEX.
More recently, MSC increased capacity market share for stand-alone services (services supplied outside the 2M alliance) on the Transpacific and Asia-Europe routes.