Hainan Airlines and long-standing cargo handling partner Worldwide Flight Services have inked a new ramp handling contract at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

The Chinese airline, which has been a customer of WFS at SEA since 2013, has now appointed the ground handler to provide loading and unloading for the 3-5 passenger freighter services of its Boeing 787 aircraft connecting the US city with Shanghai Pudong (CVG) each week.

The cargo-only flights using passenger aircraft were introduced during the pandemic and can carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo on the lower deck each way. WFS will provide other ramp services for the airline, including crew shuttle, lavatory, water and GPU services. It also holds handling contracts with Hainan Airlines at JFK and CDG.