WestJet Cargo celebrated a successful 2024, achieving strong growth driven by rising belly cargo demand and expanded network routes and partnerships. The airline also embraced digital innovations to enhance the customer experience.
“WestJet’s belly cargo business has emerged as a key driver of success for WestJet Cargo, with a 60 per cent year-over-year increase in revenue,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice President, Cargo. “We’ve seen strong performance on key routes like Narita-Calgary Incheon-Calgary.”
The airline recently confirmed it will eventually phase out its four dedicated freighters. However, it remains committed to expanding belly cargo opportunities. This includes markets where WestJet operates passenger service, as well as offering cargo on new routes.
“As WestJet welcomes more aircraft to its passenger fleet, WestJet Cargo will grow alongside,” said Julius Mooney, WestJet Director of Commercial Cargo. “Supported by a strong logistics and operations team, WestJet Cargo is poised to continue its successful growth in the competitive belly cargo sector.”
Building global connections with Virgin Atlantic
Last month, WestJet Cargo announced a Block Space Agreement with Virgin Atlantic on the Toronto–London route, increasing capacity between Canada and the UK. The deal boosts cargo capacity between the East Coast of Canada and London. It also extends connectivity across Virgin Atlantic’s global network. It strengthens trade links between Canada and key destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The company has rolled out a revamped website and digital platforms, streamlining the booking and tracking processes for guests. Integrated with digital freight platforms cargo.one and cargoAI, the organization has improved accessibility and operational efficiency radically over the last year. Through this, WestJet has also been able to add new product offerings such as Campus’Air service for university and research cargo.
With the successful growth of the belly cargo business on track, and the strategic decision to exit the freighter business, WestJet reached a turning point. Following this shift, Kirsten de Bruijn, a seasoned cargo and aviation leader, announced her decision to leave the airline.
“Building out this important growth opportunity for WestJet was very rewarding,” continued de Bruijn. “Unfortunately, the freighter business came with timing delays and additional complexity that no longer made it the right commitment for WestJet.”
BOC Aviation Limited (“BOC Aviation” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Airbus S.A.S (“Airbus”) to purchase 70 new Airbus A320NEO family aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery through to 2032 and include conversion rights to other variants of the A320NEO family.
“This transaction will lift our remaining Airbus orderbook to around 200 aircraft and takes our total Airbus aircraft deliveries to over 700 since our first order in 1996,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. “This order solidifies our position as one of the top five global aircraft operating lessors and provides us with a strong delivery pipeline into the next decade. We look forward to providing more airline customers with this popular fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft.”
Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said, “This new major order by BOC Aviation, is a testament to its enduring confidence in the A320 family – the world’s most successful single-aisle aircraft. This significant investment makes BOC Aviation one of the largest Airbus customers and highlights the strong and continued market demand for our fuel-efficient aircraft and their long-term value. The A320 family delivers exceptional benefits to operators, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with BOC Aviation, providing airlines with cutting-edge fleet solutions.”
Recently-launched Skyway Airlines of the Philippines has appointed Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) – Hong Kong’s largest independent handler – as handling agent for its new freighter services to Hong Kong, which are targeted at the e-commerce sector. Hactl will provide a one-stop-shop operation for Skyway, covering terminal handling, ramp handling and documentation.
Skyway commences the flights on 20th March, using its 18-tonne capacity B737-400 freighters on the six-times-weekly services: three to its Clark International Airport base, and three to Manila. Hong Kong is the airline’s first international destination.
The Philippines, comprising over 7,000 islands, presents exceptional logistical challenges. Traditionally, domestic air cargo has been carried in the belly holds of passenger aircraft. However, a booming e-commerce sector – significantly accelerated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – has created a pressing need for dedicated cargo capacity. Skyway aims to satisfy this need, and has now successfully connected the Philippines to the world’s busiest international airport.
Jose Angelo Peralta, President & CEO of Skyway Airlines, says: “It has been a big leap for Skyway to fly internationally to Hong Kong after acquiring our Air Operator Certificate. We are very pleased to have the one-stop service support from Hactl for our freighter operation into Hong Kong International Airport, which greatly reduced our challenges in the service launch. We hope to contribute to the trade development between Hong Kong and the Philippines”.
Adds Hactl Executive Director – Commercial and Business Development, Joanna Li: “Skyway Airlines is an interesting new venture that fills a very real need for the Philippines. We welcome this latest addition to our carrier family, which further extends our global connections. We wish Skyway Airlines every success with this first international service, and we greatly look forward to supporting the airline in growing its business.”
SF Airlines, a subsidiary of one of China’s largest logistics and courier companies, has operationalized a new air cargo route linking Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Pakistani state media recently reported this development.
The Urumqi-Islamabad route is the first all-cargo route launched by SF Airlines in Xinjiang to Pakistan. “It will carry cross-border e-commerce goods and other products,” stated the air cargo carrier. Two round-trip flights are scheduled each week, providing more than 110 tons of air transport capacity weekly.
China and Pakistan share deep economic and strategic ties, with both countries working together on business and trade initiatives. While large-scale projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remain central to economic cooperation, both governments have encouraged private-sector-led initiatives to strengthen bilateral trade.
“The Urumqi-Islamabad route will build an efficient and stable air logistics channel for Xinjiang products to go overseas,” SF Airlines added. The new air cargo route reflects a growing effort to enhance connectivity, particularly in e-commerce, logistics, and cross-border trade.
With the launch of the Urumqi-Islamabad route, SF Airlines now serves three cities in Pakistan, including Karachi and Lahore, in addition to Islamabad. SF Airlines plans to continue focusing on expanding its international route network and supply chains.
Read: Aerios’ Carrier App Boosts Cargojet’s Air Cargo Efficiency
Headquartered in Shenzhen, SF Airlines is China’s largest air cargo carrier by fleet size. According to statistics from the cargo carrier, it operates 89 all-cargo freighters, including 16 Boeing 737Fs, four Boeing 747Fs, 41 Boeing 757Fs, and 21 Boeing 767Fs. In December, the cargo carrier added its first Boeing 737-800 narrowbody freighter, and in February, Boeing delivered its 100th completed 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to the cargo carrier.
The airline’s expansion aligns with China’s rapidly growing e-commerce sector, where cross-border trade has become a major economic driver. In 2023, China’s e-commerce imports and exports reached 2.38 trillion yuan ($328.3 billion), up 15.6 percent from the previous year, according to official Chinese data. SF Airlines has played a key role in supporting this boom, operating a fleet of 89 all-cargo freighters that transport goods across domestic and international markets.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Challenge Group is experiencing a busy period. Two months ago, the company began weekly flight operations into Nairobi, deploying a Boeing 767-300BDSF freighter aircraft to connect this key market with Europe and beyond. Since then, capacity has tripled, with certain flights upgraded to a Boeing 747-400F freighter aircraft.
This new destination is Challenge Group’s first in Africa and addresses the ongoing airfreight capacity crunch across the continent. Through strategic alliances and strong local partnerships, Nairobi has emerged as a vital gateway, enabling access to other critical destinations within Africa.
In the past two weeks, Challenge Handling in Liège has managed over 30 flights from various customers, transporting more than 3,000 tons of fresh flowers.
The state-of-the-art facility offers a fast-track system capable of handling the simultaneous loading of two Boeing 747-400F freighters. Additionally, it provides a dedicated cool area for post-flight treatment, cooling, and sorting, along with expedited customs clearance. These features enhance Liège Airport’s reputation as a top-tier gateway and competitive hub for perishable goods, ensuring faster access to key European markets.
“With Nairobi as our first African destination, we are committed to supporting our customers’ needs and delivering our services wherever required,” said Or Zak, Challenge Group’s chief commercial officer. “Backed by nearly five decades of expertise in transporting perishable goods, we provide end-to-end logistics solutions tailored for this specific sector. Additionally, our operations in Nairobi support a crucial local industry, reinforcing our role as a key enabler of global trade.”
Zak added, “The upcoming Air Cargo Africa conference and exhibition presents the perfect opportunity for our sales team to engage with both existing and prospective customers, strengthen business relationships, and explore new opportunities to further expand our footprint across the continent.”
As Challenge Group continues to grow, it remains dedicated to providing innovative logistics solutions that empower global trade and connect key markets efficiently.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has handled its longest-ever piece of freight, as part of a consignment for the oil and gas sector.
The team transported the cargo from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to PIK, including two extra 40-foot components, for onward delivery to Aberdeen.
The team transported the longest piece, measuring 67 feet and weighing 24 tonnes, on three 20-foot connecting pallets, using three main deck loaders and two cranes for safe offloading.
The team completed the entire operation in 30 minutes.
“The safe, careful, and efficient offloading of this cargo required extensive planning from our in-house ground handling team at Prestwick,” said Jules Matteoni, Operations Director, PIK.
“Handling such a large piece of freight requires immense coordination and expertise, two of our key assets.”
Read: Hong Kong Air Cargo Launches Flights to Prestwick
Last year, PIK invested in equipment that was integral to the operation; the team used new high loaders, with capacities of 20 and 35 tonnes, to offload this consignment.
“Last year, we decided to invest significantly in our infrastructure, and the success of this operation is a direct result of that commitment,” said Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, PIK.
“We support our clients and their industries, focusing on outsized cargo for the oil and gas sector, one of our key strengths.”
PIK’s additional investments included a heavy-duty pushback tractor, 12 new dollies, a Rapiscan X-ray machine, and cold storage facilities ranging from -30°C to +25°C.
Swissport International grows its air cargo handling business further in Australia, serving airline customers and freight forwarders in new air cargo centers in Melbourne and Sydney. A newly acquired facility in Auckland, New Zealand, is scheduled to open in late March 2025.
Swissport International, the global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, is significantly investing in the expansion of its air cargo handling capacity in Australia and New Zealand. Airline customers and freight forwarders will benefit from additional capacity at Swissport’s three new locations, designed to enhance operational efficiency and provide tailored solutions for diverse cargo needs. This strategic move will allow Swissport to further solidify its position as a key logistics partner for the industry.
“Swissport is ready to support the rapidly growing air cargo demand in Australia and New Zealand, enabling businesses to thrive,” says Joel Greig, General Manager Cargo for Australia, and New Zealand at Swissport. “Our new locations in Melbourne, Sydney and soon Auckland feature advanced temperature-controlled spaces, direct airside access, and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations. These capabilities empower our customers to deliver exceptional service quality across the supply chain.”
Swissport’s new location at Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne, is strategically positioned as the closest facility with direct airside access, offering a significant competitive edge for freight forwarders. Spanning a total area of 9,366 sqm, including almost 5,000 sqm of warehouse floor space, the warehouse features temperature-controlled storage systems designed to handle perishables and pharmaceuticals, maintaining conditions of 2-8°C and 15-25°C – depending on the specific requirements of the shipments.
Also at Sydney Airport, Swissport has expanded its footprint with a newly renovated facility, increasing its total handling area to over 4,500 sqm.
The temperature-controlled air cargo center handles a wide range of products, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, mail, express shipments, and general cargo, ensuring seamless operations for diverse customer needs. It holds full licenses to meet all customs, biosecurity, and screening requirements for Regulated Air Cargo Agents (RACA).
Additionally, dedicated express delivery transport trucks, capable of loading airside, will enable swift delivery to freight forwarders within just 45 minutes of an aircraft’s arrival.
Besides its expansion in Australia, Swissport is also marking its entry into the New Zealand air cargo market. Starting in late March 2025, its services will be available at Auckland Airport.
The airport’s largest and most advanced X-ray machine, featuring high-penetration, dual-view technology and detection alerts for explosives and narcotics, equips the facility.
Swissport’s capacity expansion in Australia began just months ago, with Vietjet and Batik Air as its launch customers. Since then, its customer base has grown to include LATAM Airlines and a suite of freight forwarders. The company’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction underscores its ambition to be the partner of choice for air cargo services in the region and beyond.
In Australia and New Zealand, Swissport has been offering airport ground services to 29 domestic and international airline customers at 18 airports. In 2024, the company has served 10.16 million passengers and handled 226,358 flights. Swissport employs more than 3.600 aviation professionals across all business lines in Australia and New Zealand.
In response to growing demand out of Denmark, Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world’s largest international airline, has deployed a dedicated weekly freighter to Copenhagen Airport. The deployment increases the network of destinations served by Emirates freighters to 38.
Previously served via bellyhold capacity in passenger aircraft, the Boeing 777 freighter will increase capacity offered to Emirates’ customers, with approximately 85 tonnes allocated for cargo from Copenhagen, and neighbouring countries including Norway and Sweden.
Emirates SkyCargo has recorded significant growth in volume of over 20% from Denmark in the last financial year, driven largely by pharmaceutical shipments. With a thriving life sciences production industry and resilient cold chain infrastructure, Copenhagen serves as Europe’s northern hub for pharma logistics. The increased capacity coupled with Emirates SkyCargo’s fit-for-purpose pharmaceutical product portfolio and extensive global network will support more pharma exports from Denmark.
In addition to uplifting pharmaceutical cargo, Emirates SkyCargo will provide tailored solutions to transport goods via its multi-vertical product portfolio. From general cargo to temperature-sensitive perishables such as fish and other foods, the airline keeps goods moving from Copenhagen to the world, swiftly, efficiently and reliably.
Mette Jensen, Cargo Manager for Scandinavia, Emirates SkyCargo said, “Demand has been strong across Scandinavia, with particular growth in Copenhagen, and we expect this to continue into the next financial year and beyond. Bolstering our operations to Copenhagen with a dedicated freighter, ensures that we are able to serve the current demand, and support our customers in reaching a large number of markets across the globe.”
Emirates SkyCargo serves 11 destinations across Europe with 38 dedicated freighter flights per week, complemented by over 485 passenger flights every week. This near-unrivalled frequency and capacity marks Europe as one of the airline’s busiest destinations.
Effective from 1 January 2025, EK9746 will arrive in Copenhagen Airport on Wednesdays at 12:35AM*, departing for Dubai World Central at 15:05PM*. Customers can contact their local Emirates SkyCargo office or visit skycargo.com for more information.
Boeing forecasts a robust future for the air cargo industry, predicting an average annual growth of 4% in air cargo traffic through 2043. The projections are outlined in the company’s 2024 World Air Cargo Forecast (WACF), a comprehensive biennial report providing an outlook for the global air cargo market.
“As the quickest and most reliable way to move goods, air cargo’s sustained growth has returned the industry to its long-term trend,” said Darren Hulst, Boeing vice president of Commercial Marketing. “There will be many drivers for continued freighter demand over the next 20 years, including expansion of emerging markets and global growth in manufacturing and e-commerce.”
Key highlights from the 2024 WACF include:
“By adopting smart airside solutions, the industry can reduce turnaround times, improve reliability, and significantly lower its environmental footprint,” Hulst added. “These are all key priorities for aviation executives around the world.”
The forecast also highlights significant increases in freighter deliveries, with 1,005 production and 1,840 conversions expected between 2024 and 2043. Delivery types will include 1,250 standard-body, 785 medium widebody, and 810 large widebody freighters.
Boeing emphasizes the importance of innovation and sustainability in meeting the growing demands of the air cargo sector. The complete 2024 World Air Cargo Forecast is available at www.boeing.com/wacf.
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