Mike King, Special Correspondent | May 23, 2012 10:07AM EDT
China Airlines has launched a new freighter service linking Asia and Europe via India and Southeast Asia.
The twice-weekly route from Taipei will be served by a Boeing 747-400F and will fly to Luxemburg via Kuala Lumpur and Chennai.
“The first Luxemburg-bound flight [on May 16] carried electronics, automotive parts and consumer goods,” said the Taiwanese carrier in a statement. “The return flight will carry electronics, machinery and components.”
China Airlines said Chennai International Airport was India's fastest-growing airport for exports and imports, predominantly comprising electronics, automotive parts, textile products and ready-made clothes and leather products.
“By including Chennai in its new cargo route to Luxemburg, China Airlines is the only airline to offer direct scheduling cargo service from Chennai to Luxemburg, giving it an edge in the India-Europe air cargo market while also capturing more business in Southeast Asia bound for southern India and Europe,” said the statement.
The carrier saw revenue from freight service decline 10 percent in the first four months of the year and had previously announced plans to cut capacity and park some its freighters.
Contact Mike King at michael@borderline.eu.com.
