Qantas Freight Enterprises today announced its inaugural scheduled freighter service from Sydney to the Chinese manufacturing hub of Chongqing and then onto to Chicago will take flight on 20 April 2012.
Qantas Freight Enterprises Executive Manager Lisa Brock said the new service to Chongqing demonstrates that the business is well positioned to grow its footprint in Asia and respond to evolving global market dynamics by leveraging the Qantas Group’s existing assets.
“Qantas Freight Enterprises has the flexibility through its integrated network of Qantas, Jetstar, Jetstar Asia, and freighter services to respond to the needs of its customers and changing manufacturing trends in the region,” she said.
“With the addition of Chongqing Qantas Freight Enterprises will market freight capacity to nine ports in mainland China including Shanghai, Gulin, Haikou, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Shantou, Guangzhou and Beijing.”
Ms Brock said China has sustained its position as one of the business’ most important growth markets.
“Qantas Freight Enterprises is very confident in the potential of Chongqing which is home to over 32 million people and hosts many of the world’s largest hi-tech electronic and automotive manufactures.”
“This new service also strengthens Qantas Freight Enterprises freighter program by improving aircraft utilisation and adding network reach across mainland China.”
The service will initially operate weekly under flight number QF7583 direct from Sydney to Chongqing’s Jiangbai International Airport. The aircraft will then continue on to Chicago via Shanghai before returning to Sydney under flight number QF7552.
The new service is conveniently timed to depart Sydney every Friday evening arriving in Chongqing at 1205am early on Saturday morning and Chicago mid Saturday afternoon. The aircraft will depart Chicago the same day arriving in Sydney early Monday morning.
About Qantas Freight
Qantas Freight, the international air freight division of the Qantas Group, markets the freight capacity on Qantas and Jetstar international passenger aircraft and operates a fleet of three Boeing 747 and one Boeing 767 freighter aircraft. With more than 800 employees based in Australia and across the world, Qantas Freight operates its own handling facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Los Angeles, and has strategic investments in specialist logistic businesses around the world.