Vietjet Cargo and UPS have entered a “historic” agreement to leverage each other’s networks, a press release revealed, adding more air freight capacity on the Asia-US trade lane.

Vietjet Cargo will gain access to UPS’ global network, whilst the express operator can tap on the airline’s regional network within Vietnam, Thailand and other Asian destinations to deliver shipments faster.

“The cooperation with UPS paves the way for Vietjet to make Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok regional logistics hubs for one-stop-shop cargo transportation services from Asia to western destinations,” said Vietjet Cargo CEO Do Xuan Quang, adding that the cargo airline is looking to boost services not just within Southeast Asia but also in Northeast Asia.

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UPS and Vietjet have operated one cargo flight every week between Hanoi and the US via Incheon since 26 September. Shipments are collected across from Vietjet’s hubs in Vietnam, Thailand and other Asian destinations and consolidated in Hanoi.

Both sides have also conducted cargo flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur using UPS fleet as well as air shipments between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi on Vietjet flights.

“The agreement with Vietjet comes at a significant time for trade in Vietnam,” said Russell Reed, managing director of UPS Vietnam and Thailand.

“As Vietnam’s economy embraces growth momentum, the country is poised to benefit from shifts in global manufacturing and trade flows, and UPS, together with Vietjet, hope to expand import and export opportunities for businesses of all sizes in Vietnam, enabling them to trade with greater ease and confidence on a global scale.”

Vietjet is the first airline in Vietnam authorised to load cargo in the passenger cabin. Its international freight network includes Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, with plans to include Taiwan.