YTO Express to expand its fleet by 2018

YTO Express Airlines is set to add at least three widebody freighters to its fleet by 2018 to meet demand for its international expansion plans, according to media reports in China.

The China Daily reports the carrier is preparing a bid to expand operations and quotes the airline’s chairman, Yu Weijiao, as saying there is high demand for international express services between Chinese manufacturers and foreign buyers, notably in emerging markets such as Africa, the Middle East and South America.

YTO it says will make a submission to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) by the end of August.

The carrier now operates cargo services throughout China using two B737-300 Freighters on domestic and international routes, while it charters five additional freighters, while using bellyhold space on domestic passenger aircraft.

In September last year, YTO announced plans to acquire ten B737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter with first deliveries scheduled for 2018.

YTO is Boeing’s launch customer for the Boeing 737-800BCF programme. The Chinese express carrier is based in Hangzhou.