Emirates SkyCargo expands Asian network
Emirates SkyCargo has launched a new weekly cargo service between Dubai and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, expanding its coverage across East and Southeast Asia. The airline now serves 43 global destinations with its dedicated freighter fleet, including 11 in Asia. This growth reflects rising demand for air freight, fuelled by Thailand’s economic and technological development under the “Thailand 4.0” initiative. With an all-widebody fleet of more than 260 aircraft and a portfolio of specialised products, Emirates SkyCargo aims to support Thai exports in key sectors such as electronics, biotechnology, robotics and apparel. In parallel, the carrier has increased its weekly cargo flights to and from Hanoi to four and introduced a sixth service to Guangzhou to meet strong demand from mainland China. Overall, Emirates SkyCargo now operates 45 scheduled freighter flights, 13 charter flights and 315 passenger services per week to 25 airports across East and Southeast Asia, offering total capacity exceeding 21,000 tonnes.
Air China Cargo expands fleet
Air China Cargo has announced plans to order up to ten Airbus A350 freighters, with an initial purchase of six aircraft and an option for four more to be exercised by the end of 2026. The freighters, each with a payload capacity of 111 tonnes and a range of 8,700 kilometres, will be delivered between 2029 and 2031. Based on a list price of 465 million dollars per aircraft (around 435 million euros), the deal is valued at 4.65 billion dollars, though the airline stated it secured a discount following “fair negotiations”. The investment forms part of its development plan to meet market demand, optimise fleet structure and ensure long-term capacity stability. Air China Cargo currently operates 24 freighters: eight Airbus A330-200Fs, three Boeing 747-400Fs and thirteen Boeing 777Fs. The order provides fresh support for the Airbus A350F programme, which has recently seen a reduction in commitments from the Air France-KLM group (from eight to six aircraft) and the full cancellation of Air Lease’s order. Conversely, in 2024 Airbus received new commitments from AviLease for ten A350Fs with an option for twelve more, and from Mng Airlines for two aircraft. The first delivery of the A350F is scheduled for the second half of 2027.
New TIR route between Türkiye and the UAE
The international TIR system has launched a faster overland route connecting Türkiye with the United Arab Emirates. According to the International Road Transport Union (IRU), operator Saritaş Logistics successfully completed a door-to-door journey of 14 trucks in ten days, cutting transport times by more than half compared to the 20–30 days typically required by sea. The route passed through Saudi Arabia, where customs procedures were streamlined thanks to the TIR system, ensuring the safety and traceability of sealed cargo. The initiative marks a concrete step towards closer road transport integration between Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The TIR system also helped reduce border waiting times and simplify customs formalities.
Cargojet connects Canada and Europe
On 1 November 2025, Cargojet will launch a direct air cargo service between Canada and Europe, linking Liège Airport with major Canadian hubs. The initiative represents a significant expansion of the Canadian company’s international network. The new route will provide additional capacity for urgent shipments and strengthen transatlantic freight flows, fully integrated within Cargojet’s domestic overnight network. This will enable shorter transit times and greater flexibility for freight forwarders and logistics providers. The initial phase foresees one weekly flight, with the potential for frequency increases as demand grows.
Airport cooperation between Liège and Rockford
Liège Airport and Chicago Rockford International Airport have signed a cooperation agreement during the Air Cargo South East Asia event in Singapore. The partnership establishes a “sister airport” relationship aimed at strengthening cargo connectivity between Europe and the United States. The agreement includes increasing cargo flights between the two airports, developing joint marketing and sales initiatives, and collaborating on operational and digital projects to improve process efficiency. According to Torsten Wefers, vice-president of sales and marketing at Liège Airport, the partnership reflects “a shared vision for the future of air cargo transport”. Zachary Oakley, executive director at Rockford, highlighted the complementarity between the two airports, both focused on freight operations.
Time:matters partners with Semi
Time:matters has been appointed strategic partner of Semi’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) initiative, aimed at strengthening the resilience and efficiency of supply chains in the semiconductor sector. The collaboration involves developing a shared framework for global logistics management in an increasingly complex production landscape. The agreement reinforces Time:matters’ role as a high-performance logistics solutions provider, drawing on more than two decades of experience in handling time-critical and sensitive shipments.
