New Singapore cargo airline welcomed at Changi airport

Jett8 Airlines Cargo is the second Singapore-based airline to offer all-cargo flights after Singapore Airlines Cargo. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) at a Changi Airport ceremony officially welcomed a Jett8 flight on Wednesday 19 September.

Singapore minister of state for finance and transport Lim Hwee Hua, who was the guest of honour, said that the establishment of Jett8 reflects the operating environment at Changi, which supports the entry and growth of new players in the airline industry.

Lim was optimistic about growth opportunities in the logistics sector. The outlook for the industry in Asia remains strong, she said. The logistics outsourcing market is expected to see double digit growth over the next few years, reaching $80 billion by 2012.

The freighter line launched its inaugural flight on 23 June to Hong Kong, operating a B747-200 freighter aircraft with a capacity of 100 tonnes. The airline has since expanded its network to Dubai, Manchester and Luxembourg.

Last year, Changi Airport was ranked sixth in the world for international cargo tonnage, making it one of Asia's top four players. Changi Airport is served by about 80 scheduled airlines, operating 4,200 weekly scheduled flights to more than 190 cities in 59 countries.