Air One begins 4x weekly Hong Kong–EMA service; the inaugural 747F carried 109,484 kilos across 39 pallets.
The skies marked a milestone this week as Air One’s first-ever scheduled freighter service touched down at East Midlands Airport (EMA), carrying a full load from Hong Kong.
The Boeing 747-400F, operated by sister airline One Air, landed ahead of schedule at 05:45 on 4th September, with an impressive 109,484 kilos of cargo across 39 pallets. The new four-times-weekly service is tailored for time-sensitive goods like e-commerce and electronics, with late evening departures from Hong Kong ensuring early morning arrivals into the UK.
From EMA, the freight will be swiftly distributed nationwide via Swissport’s road feeder network, connecting to major hubs including London Heathrow, Manchester, and Birmingham.
For Air One, the service is more than just a new route. It represents a strategic expansion. Since January 2020, the company has operated over 3,000 B747 charter flights from Hong Kong to 35 destinations worldwide, moving more than 300 million kilos of cargo. The opening of its permanent Hong Kong office, led by Spencer AuYeung, further signals its long-term commitment to the region.
“This is a significant step in Air One’s development,” said Peter Scholten, Chief Commercial Officer. “Scheduled services add a third pillar to our portfolio alongside wet lease and charter operations. We’re proud our first flight departed fully loaded and grateful for the strong customer support.”
Looking ahead, Scholten confirmed plans to expand frequencies from Hong Kong and add new scheduled routes by 2026.
For East Midlands Airport, the UK’s leading cargo hub with 24/7 operations and a prime central location, Air One’s arrival further cements its role as a gateway for global trade.
Source: PR
