China Airlines ranks 6th globally in international air cargo volume

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

According to the latest statistics released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in 2013 China Airlines ranked 6th globally in international air cargo volume, with continuously growing freight volume and highly recognized cargo service capabilities.


▲ Celebration of the 25th anniversary of China Airlines’ European Cargo Center. (Photo provided by China Airlines)

With the global economy beginning to rebound in 2014, demand for air cargo continued to recover. China Airlines saw a significant increase in cargo revenue from January to August 2014, up 13% compared to the same period last year. Coupled with the peak air cargo season starting in August and the successive launch of new 3C products, it is expected that the peak season will extend into the fourth quarter. According to IATA statistics, in 2013 China Airlines carried 1.197 million tons of cargo, ranking 6th globally in international air cargo volume; in 2012, it carried 1.099 million tons, ranking 7th in the world. In terms of freight tonne-kilometers (FRTK), China Airlines transported 4,813 million FRTK in 2013, ranking 10th globally, also an increase of 6% over 2012.

China Airlines currently operates a fleet of 80 passenger and cargo aircraft, including 21 B747-400F all-cargo planes. It has established 32 cargo destinations, 10 of which are dedicated cargo routes. Weekly cargo flights total 84, focusing on markets in the Americas, cross-strait routes, Japan, and Southeast Asia in Asia. Leveraging its all-cargo fleet and bellyhold capacity of passenger aircraft, with Taiwan as the hub and additional cargo centers such as Bangkok and Osaka as spoke points, China Airlines develops streamlined cargo transportation. Through Asian regional cargo routes and flights, it coordinates with transoceanic routes between Europe, America, and Vietnam, providing optimal transit time air cargo services.

In March this year, China Airlines became a member of the IATA Cargo 2000 program, meeting international air cargo standard procedures and enhancing cargo service quality. China Airlines also joined the SkyTeam Cargo alliance on October 3, 2012, becoming the only Taiwanese carrier in an international air cargo alliance. This significantly increased its international visibility and enabled joint procurement and marketing with alliance members, developing a comprehensive product line.