New Malaysian cargo airline Kargo Xpress has started operations with scheduled all-cargo charter flights using its first dedicated freighter, a B737-400F, with a capacity of up to 18 tonnes.

The aircraft, registered 9M-KXA and painted with face mask livery in honour of frontliners, made its debut from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA) on 10 June. It will initially service the Kuala Lumpur–Kuching–Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur–Kota Kinabalu–Kuala Lumpur routes, with six weekly flights to each destination, from Tuesday to Sunday.

Airline operator M Jets plans to induct another B737-400F and two B737-800F aircraft by the end of 2021, with additional four freighter aircraft in 2022. “These 8 aircraft will be connecting 25 domestic and international destinations. There will be additional aircrafts inducted yearly for the next 5 years till 2025,” the company said in a statement.

Also read: Vallair bids adieu to B737-400F as M Jets enters air cargo

Kargo Xpress thinks the importance of air cargo to the economic supply chain has been clearly demonstrated in the current Covid-19 pandemic, and the airline said the inaugural flight represents a significant step in developing a comprehensive range of logistics services focusing on untapped markets and selected routes that are currently underserved by the industry.

With demand for air cargo driven by e-commerce, postal services, trans-shipments and industries requiring high-value logistics services, the airline’s added capacity should provide logistics players and shippers better access to fast, timely and efficient delivery of goods.

Kargo Xpress is the trade name of M Jets International Sdn Bhd. It operates from KLIA Digital Free Trade Zone under the ICAO 3-letter code “KXP,” call sign “Xpress Kargo,” and IATA prefix “WW”