CargoLogicAir has announced it is restarting its operations to transport medical supplies out of China, after deciding in February to suspend its services due to weak demand.

In a statement, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the airline had its operating licence and air operator certificate suspension lifted in order to provide cargo flights using two Boeing 747 aircraft on contracts to provide medical supplies.

The British cargo airline had its licence initially suspended on 27 February 2020 for three months at its own request in response to the weak market outlook triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Due to the latest market development, specifically the drastic decrease of the market demand, CLA finds it extremely difficult to continue its commercial operation,” it said then.

“Most importantly, CLA operations have been severely affected as it had placed a significant portion of its commercial activities in the Chinese market. As a result, a decision was made to suspend the flights,” it added.

Since then, demand for air cargo started to pick up as companies grapple to move goods and medical supplies out of China.

Rates have also increased rapidly to as much as US$14-US$16 per kilogram of freight out of China as governments worldwide seek more and more medical supplies and equipment to battle the coronavirus outbreak.