Airline European Cargo and Shenzhen Sharing Express Logistic-Tech (SSELT) have launched an all-cargo service between China and the UK to focus on e-commerce volumes.
The brand new service will operate between Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Bournemouth Airport utilising European Cargo’s 70-tonne capability converted Airbus A340 aircraft.
The flights will initially operate three-times-per week but there are hopes to extend to 5 times per week in the longer term.
Bournemouth Airport said that the brand new route has received support from the China Council for the Promotion of National Trade and China Post, bolstering international connectivity for the Chengdu region and offering a quick and reliable solution for south west China’s cross-border e-commerce sellers to succeed in the UK market.
SSELT can also be targeting UK exporters on return legs.
The airport said that the dearth of congestion and the actual fact its Cargo First business controls process, airside and landslide means shipments can get to customer warehouses in half the time of going through a London hub airport.
Bournemouth Airport managing director Steve Gill, said: “Working with European Cargo we’ve proven Bournemouth as a viable alternative gateway to London and the UK south east for business air cargo.
“Cross border e-commerce continues to experience strong growth and we’re seeing quite a lot of providers like SSELT scouting for alternatives to the London hubs because they need airports that may handle that growth into the longer term.”
European Cargo chief executive David Kerr added: “We now have extensive experience of the China market and this recent route from Chengu to Bournemouth establishes an exciting recent trade corridor that ensures the timely delivery of e-commerce goods from south west China to UK consumers.
“It also creates significant opportunities for UK exports back to China and is amongst a variety of potential routes that we wish to grow.”
European Cargo’s A340 aircraft have been converted with a bespoke in-cabin pod containment system so as to add to belly capability, but would not have a cargo door. It expects as much as six conversions this 12 months with an additional pipeline in 2024.
In the previous couple of months, the freighters have received certification from each EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and the Civil Aviation Authority within the UK.