Freight-only operator Polar Air Cargo touches down at
Auckland Airport for the first time today in what will be a
regular weekly connection between Sydney, Australia and
Seoul Incheon Airport, South Korea.
It becomes the
sixth airline operating scheduled international freighter
services to and from Auckland Airport and the first
dedicated freighter link between Auckland Airport and Seoul
Incheon Airport, said Scott Tasker, General Manager
Aeronautical Commercial at Auckland Airport.
“It’s
a significant vote of confidence to have a new operator
flying into Auckland Airport and providing some much-needed
cargo capacity. This freighter service to Seoul Incheon
Airport provided by Polar Air Cargo also opens up additional
connectivity options to and from key Asian markets beyond
South Korea,” he said.
“With the continued growth
of e-commerce, the resulting air cargo demand, and shortage
of cargo belly space on passenger aircraft, freight
forwarders rely more than ever on freighter aircraft to move
their goods,” said Lars Winkelbauer, EVP & Chief
Operating Officer, Polar Air Cargo Worldwide. “Adding the
new air route through Auckland will help drive the growth
and export opportunities for our customers by connecting
them in key markets in Asia and North America.”
The
latest air cargo figures show international air freight
demand has declined 19% year-on-year for July 2020, with
total international freight capacity at Auckland Airport
falling 46% for the month of July 2020, in line with the
previous month. Auckland Airport currently processes more
than 90% of New Zealand’s international air
cargo.
“With the borders closed to everyone except
returning New Zealanders and departing travellers, freight
has really settled into a pattern of lower available
capacity and high utilisation of available space. The steep
reduction in air connectivity typically provided by
passenger aircraft, which prior to the pandemic supplied 80%
of available cargo capacity in their belly-holds, is
contributing to this capacity shortfall,” said Mr
Tasker.
“Having Polar adds a new option for New
Zealand air deliveries and freight forwarders, particularly
in the express segment.”
Polar Air Cargo will be
flying the route with a Boeing 747-8F – the latest and
largest variant of the 747 jumbo jet – capable of carrying
up to 133 tonnes of payload. Polar is an Atlas Air Worldwide
company. Through a strategic partnership with DHL Express,
Polar provides capacity to DHL Express and brings the
high-reliability service required in the express business,
convenient schedules and a strong network to some of the
world’s largest freight
forwarders.
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