Polar Air Cargo Worldwide landed its inaugural flight at Singapore Changi Airport on 17 August, linking Changi’s freighter network to a new city link – Cincinnati, Ohio.  Polar will operate a weekly Cincinnati–Anchorage–Incheon–Singapore–Hong Kong service with the B747-400F aircraft. Polar is majority owned by US-based Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings and minority owned by DHL Network Operations (USA). Through Polar and its Atlas Air sister company, Atlas Air Worldwide operates the world’s largest fleet of B747 freighters.

Singapore is the first Southeast Asian destination for Polar and the new freighter service connects DHL Express’ South Asia Hub in Singapore to its Cincinnati and Hong Kong global hubs. The service is part of DHL’s multi-hub strategy and is aimed at strengthening its market position in Asia by leveraging Changi Airport’s  connectivity.

Robert Hyslop, executive VP and COO, Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, said: “We are pleased to begin flying to Changi Airport.  With the addition of this route, we continue to expand our global reach while providing our customers with on-time, reliable and quality service.”

James Fong, assistant VP for cargo & logistics development, Changi Airport Group said: “We are very pleased to welcome Polar’s new operations out of Changi Airport, which expands service to the region and provides new options for shippers and freight forwarders.

“The new service will stimulate growth in cargo volumes between Singapore and the United States, particularly that of express cargo. This new partnership is a reflection of CAG’s continual commitment to build Changi Airport as a world class cargo hub and work with new airlines to tap on the growth opportunities emerging in the region.”

In the first half of 2015, cargo shipments to and from Changi Airport stood stable at 912,300 tonnes, compared to a year ago.  In the same period, 84,000 tonnes of cargo was handled between Singapore and the US, similar to the previous year.