Addition of third freighter to boost cargo frequencies for Dragonair

Dragonair will boost frequencies on its existing all-cargo routes with the entry into service of its third Boeing 747-300 freighter today, November 1.

Flights to Europe via Dubai will increase to six a week, up from five, services to Shanghai will rise to four a week, up from two, while two of the Shanghai flights will continue to be co-terminal with Xiamen, meaning they also stop in Xiamen.

The addition of the new freighter will also allow extra flights to Osaka and Taipei during the peak season based on demand.

"The new freighter will allow us to strengthen services to existing destinations, enhancing connections between China Mainland and some of its key trading partners," said Dragonair CEO Stanley Hui.

"It boosts capacity for us at the busiest part of the year for cargo, and comes at a time when we have been setting new uplift records for freight."

Dragonair recently posted a 61.95% year-on-year rise in the amount of cargo carried for the first nine months of the year.

"With the figures we've been recording so far this year, and with the traditionally busy period just ahead we are well on target to set a new record in tonnage uplift this year," said Mr. Hui. "Much of the growth we have seen has been due to the strength of the China Mainland market, the prospects for which remain bright."

Dragonair bought the latest addition to its cargo fleet from Boeing earlier this year, and then had it converted for all-cargo use by TAECO in Xiamen, China. It joins two other Boeing 747-300 freighters in Dragonair's all-cargo fleet.

Dragonair is a Hong Kong-based airline, operating a fleet of eight A330-300s, four A321s and eight A320s, in addition to three Boeing 747-300 freighters. The airline's passenger network covers 28 destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, while its cargo network connects the markets of Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Taiwan and China Mainland.