Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) last week launched a new freighter flight to Hong Kong after a nine-year absence, as several airlines have shifted capacity to the Asia-Pacific market to take advantage of strong cargo demand.

　　The flight is operated by Martinair on behalf of KLM between Schiphol and Hong Kong using a 110-tonne capacity Boeing 747-400 freighter.

　　The service will initially operate three times a week, then increase to four times a week at the start of winter on 27 October.

　　“This arrival marks our return to freighter operations with Hong Kong Airlines after a nine-year absence and is a significant milestone in our operations,” the company said in a LinkedIn post.

　　“To mark the occasion, a ceremony was held with the participation of a diverse delegation including customers, airport authorities, ground handling agent representatives and colleagues who came together to celebrate this momentous event.”

　　AFKLMP announced its return to Hong Kong in July, noting that the e-commerce market outside of East Asia is growing steadily.

　　Due to the additional flights from Hong Kong, some cargo services to Latin America will be suspended.

　　The airline is not the only one increasing capacity to the Asian market, with Qatar Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo and CMA CGM all adding capacity.

　　Statistics from data provider and consultant Rotate show that freighter capacity from Asia to North America increased 12% in August compared to the same period last year. Freight capacity from Asia to Europe increased 5% from last year, and freight capacity to the Middle East increased 28%.

　　In contrast, transatlantic freighter capacity has been on a downward trend , with a 16% year-on-year decrease from South America to Europe and a 9% decrease in the reverse direction.

　　Freight capacity from North America to Europe fell 7% year-on-year, while freight capacity from Europe to North America fell 14% year-on-year.

　　Source: Rotate

　　When Qatar Cargo announced plans to increase capacity to Asia, it said it would reduce capacity to South America.

Qatar Cargo said it would suspend its 777 freighter services to Santiago and Viracopos 　　from September .

　　The company said both stations will continue to receive support through partnerships and alliances with other operators.

　　Cargo flights to Bogota , Quito and Guarulhos will continue to operate as planned.

　　At the same time, freighter flights to India, China, Vietnam and Europe will also increase.

　　Cargolux has also reportedly increased capacity to Asia, but declined to comment when contacted by Air Cargo News.

　　Earlier this month, Lufthansa Cargo said it would launch its first direct service from Asia to the United States as demand in the region continues to surge.

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