Teleport, the logistics venture of airasia digital, is further reinforcing its position as a main air logistics player in Asia with the operation of its first freighter, a dedicated 737-800F, as well as two converted A320 passenger planes, with seats removed for increased capacity.

The 737-800F will start operations starting the third quarter of this year and will operate out of the hub in Bangkok. Teleport says the additional capacity will strengthen its route network between China, India and Southeast Asia and offer improved connectivity for its long-haul markets.

The two A320s, converted in house by AirAsia subsidiaries, will be based in Thailand and Malaysia, operating out of Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. These preighters will continue their schedule to key cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Yangon.

Also read: AirAsia’s Teleport enters digital forwarding business

Adrian Loretz, Teleport’s chief operating officer, expressed his excitement to share the recent expansion: “It was evident at the end of last year that the demand for cargo capacity was not going to be served with passenger belly capacity alone in the long run. So, we evaluated the option to utilise dedicated freighters to transport cargo. This is also part of our strategy to build the capacity and connectivity to offer 24 hours door-to-door delivery across all of Southeast Asia,” Loretz commented.

Loretz added that their choice of planes is ideal for the current surge in demand for e-commerce and other cargo. “We want to build our network with this dedicated cargo capacity. We are here for the long run and are ready to do more with freighters and converted planes,” he added.

Since last year, the digital freight forwarder has been establishing a cargo-only network across key lanes in the region to cater for the increasing e-commerce and overall cargo demand. In May, AirAsia operated six A330s and two A320s for Teleport with plans to increase within the year.