For the Hong Kong-Manila service, Air Hong Kong is using a B727-200 freighter to augment its shipment from the previous 19 tonnes to 24 tonnes. It has also boosted its flight frequency from four to five times a week, representing a total payload capacity of 240 tonnes or a 58 percent rise inpayload capacity.
"The service provides better shipment security and also reduces the risk of cargo being off -loaded due to commercial planeconstraints," an Air HK spokesman said.
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, exports from the Philippines to China grew by an average of 43.8 per cent between 2000 and 2005, while imports from China to the Philippines grew by an average of 30.5 per cent during the sameperiod.
Air Hong Kong’s enhanced Manila service aims to meet continued anticipated strong trade growth between the Philippinesand Hong Kong.
In January, Air HK also increased its capacity and frequency on its overnight Hong Kong-Beijing service to meet therising trade volumes in and out of China.
The Hong Kong-based air cargo carrier,a 60/40 joint venture between Cathay Pacific and DHL, said the Hong Kong-Beijingservice frequency has been boosted to 10flights weekly after adding new weekendflights, representing 25 per cent morecapacity.
Air Hong Kong has deployed the larger B727-200 Freighter to increase its payload by 58 per cent, as the new freighter is ableto hold 24 tonnes per sector.
Optimistic cargo outlook
The carrier foresees sustained cargo volume growth, as Hong Kong and mainland China become more intricately linked as an integrated supply chain due to deepeningeconomic integration."
Trade between Hong Kong and the mainland has experienced double-digit growth in recent years, boosted by strong Chinese exports. According to figures from China’s Ministry of Commerce, two-way trade figures in 2006 rose by 21.6 per cent,reaching US$166.2 billion.
The increase continued in the first half of 2007, as trade volume expanded 23.5 per cent from a year ago. Hong Kong was China’s fourth largest trading partner andthird largest export market last year.
According to DHL, the additional flights offer the option of dispatching urgent or time-sensitive shipments overthe weekend.
DHL’s Asia air network currently covers more than 30 destinations in 16 countries and territories, served by over 20 aircraft in dedicated air operations, including eightAirbus A300-600F freighters.
Since the company was established in 2001, Air Hong Kong has grown rapidly and has built an extensive full service network serving Asian and Chinese mainland. The carrier operates between Hong Kong and bases at Penang, Malaysia; Bangkok, Thailand; Taipei, Taiwan; and Kansai andNarita, in Japan.
