Britain’s newest all-cargo airline, One Air, has completed its inaugural flight from China to the United Kingdom, operating a full charter for client Shandong Glory with its Boeing 747-400 freighter.

The 100-tonne payload arrived at London Heathrow from Jinan-Shandong on 24 July, marking the commercial launch of the new airline. The airline will fly ad hoc charter flights and start a regular schedule from Asia Pacific to Europe with two 747F flights per week.

One Air anticipates regular demand from the UK to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia regions, with services to China and the US to follow. The company is preparing for a second 747F to enter service in the fourth quarter.

One Air said it is the only UK operator of the Boeing 747 with its dry leased B747-400SF. In preparation for the launch of its operations, the carrier has established a team of over 100 aviation and air cargo specialists, based at its headquarters near London Heathrow.