Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) announced the launch of a new Boeing 747-400ERF or BCF freighter service, operated by Martinair, from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Hong Kong via Dubai.
“After an absence of almost nine years, KLM/Martinair freighters will return to Hong Kong with a new service, enhancing our cargo operations and offering our global customers greater flexibility and capacity,” says an official release.
The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on September 19, 2024, the release added. “The service will initially operate thrice weekly, increasing to four weekly flights from the start of our winter schedule on 27 October 27, 2024. This new service will provide a capacity of 110 tonnes per flight, facilitating seamless cargo movement across key international hubs, and offering a wide range of onward connections to the Americas and Africa via our Amsterdam Schiphol hub.”
As part of the network strategy, some current routes in Latin America will be suspended, the release added. “We will, however, continue to operate our freighter services to Bogotá three times a week via Miami. AFKLMP Cargo also remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the Caribbean and Latin America through our extensive belly network. We offer 145 weekly flights to 24 destinations, making sure our customers in these regions continue to receive reliable and efficient cargo services.
Adriaan den Heijer, EVP, Cargo, Air France-KLM and Managing Director, Martinair says: “In the East Asian market, the e-commerce segment is growing steadily, driving increased demand for efficient and reliable air freight solutions. The introduction of this new Boeing 747 freighter service is a crucial step in adding main deck capacity to our extensive belly network. This expansion not only strengthens our freighter footprint in Asia but also offers more options and greater flexibility to our customers. By enhancing our connectivity and broadening our reach, we are better positioned to support the growth and evolving needs of our global customer base.”