Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) is gearing up to launch a new Boeing 747-400ERF freighter service between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Hong Kong (HKG) via Dubai (DWC). Operated by Martinair, this service marks a significant return to Hong Kong after nearly nine years, promising enhanced cargo operations and increased flexibility and capacity for global customers.
The inaugural flight is set for September 19, 2024. Initially, the service will run thrice weekly, with plans to ramp up to four flights per week starting October 27, 2024. Departures from Amsterdam are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with return flights from Hong Kong on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Each flight will offer an impressive capacity of 110 tonnes, ensuring seamless cargo movement across these major international hubs.
This new route offers unparalleled flexibility, covering AMS/DWC, AMS/HKG, and DWC/HKG, along with return flights. It significantly strengthens AFKLMP’s presence in Asia and complements existing flights from Paris CDG to Mumbai (BOM) and Beijing (PEK). By expanding connectivity, AFKLMP aims to better serve its customers and facilitate growth in these vital markets.
As part of the new strategy, some routes in Latin America will be suspended. However, AFKLMP will maintain its freighter services to Bogotá (BOG) three times a week via Miami (MIA). The company remains committed to the Caribbean and Latin America, offering 145 weekly flights to 24 destinations, ensuring continued reliable cargo services for customers in these regions.
Adriaan den Heijer, EVP Cargo at Air France-KLM and managing director of Martinair, emphasized the importance of this expansion. “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.”
This service not only aims to meet the rising demand in East Asia, driven by the booming e-commerce sector but also positions AFKLMP to better cater to the evolving needs of its customers worldwide. The addition of the Boeing 747 freighter service is a strategic move to ensure that AFKLMP remains a key player in the global air cargo industry, offering innovative and reliable solutions tailored to diverse cargo needs.
