Teleport, the logistics venture of airasia Digital, further reinforces its position as a formidable regional player in the cargo and logistics business with the launch of its dedicated 737-800 Freighter today, including the unveiling of its unique livery.
Stationed in Bangkok, the new aircraft is able to reach key markets including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chennai, Mumbai and all the major destinations in Southeast Asia from Thailand, connecting long-haul markets to Southeast Asia through containerised capacity.
“The growth of cargo services in emerging markets, along with the increase in air cargo revenue due to e-commerce and technological developments in both new aircraft technologies and the digitisation of the industry has spearheaded our company’s focus.
“We are certain that the addition of the freighter under our belt will reinforce our stand in the industry – with more to come in the coming year. It not only demonstrates our confidence in our growth potential but also aids in scaling our operation to meet the air cargo market’s needs which include palletised loads over loose loading and demand a solid base frequency, reliable schedule and specific departure/arrival times,” says Chief Operating Officer of Teleport, Adrian Loretz.
The new aircraft’s livery design reflects the brand colours of Teleport as the dedicated freighter prepares for its first flight across key routes in Asia. The new design represents Teleport’s service philosophy, signalling its commitment towards further establishing Teleport and the AirAsia Group as amongst the Top 3 cargo operators by capacity in Asean.
The addition of the dedicated freighter brings Teleport’s current active fleet to a total of 252 planes (including AirAsia Group’s passenger planes) and will enable greater consistent capacity on key air cargo routes across Southeast Asia.
Since the start of 2020, Teleport has set out to build a cargo-only network across the key air cargo lanes in the region to cater for the increasing e-commerce and general cargo demand. Teleport will continue to enhance its capabilities to compete in the fast-growing, cargo and e-commerce markets across Asean.
AIRBUS
AirAsia Group Bhd is in talks with Airbus SE about the latter’s freighter version of the A321neo aircraft, according to Pete Chareonwongsak, chief executive officer of AirAsia cargo division Teleport.
According to Chareonwongsak, AirAsia will try to convert some of its 362 orders for the passenger version of the A321neo narrowbody to a dedicated freighter.
“We are in discussion with Airbus, I’ll be honest and they have always been a big advocate in A321, in general, to be used as a freighter for Southeast Asia specifically just because of the fact that it has a great operating cost structure and obviously larger than the 320 series.
“For a lot of the markets that we need to reach both in range but also in capacity, it’s a great product.
