Malaysia-based Raya Airways is pushing its network expansion in the Asia Pacific with the recent freight service to Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China near the Vietnam border.

In a statement, the cargo airline said this marks the first Malaysian freight service provider operating to this destination.

"We are thrilled to expand our logistics solutions and time-definite services into China, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing air-cargo markets. With Nanning being the gateway to ASEAN and increasing cross-border e-commerce goods being transported from China into the Southeast Asian markets, this route expansion is timely and will support the increasing demand for cargo services from consumers and merchants," said Mohamad Najib Ishak, group managing director of Raya Airways Sdn. Bhd.

He noted that as one of the "key enablers" in the supply chain — carriers also have the role to establish connections. 

More network expansions underway

"Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, freight transportation has become increasingly significant, and it is integral that we continue to strengthen our expansion plan into new markets," Mohamad Najib added.

"We look forward to introducing more new routes in the months ahead as we increase our interconnecting network of destinations to support businesses during this pandemic."

Raya Airways said it will serve Nanning four times per week with an average weekly load of 30 tonnes and a maximum capacity of up to 40 tonnes, utilizing its Boeing 767-200F aircraft.

This new freight route will carry all shipments that Raya Airways specializes in, namely cross-border e-commerce products and consumer goods, including perishable items.

Raya Airways said it aims to expand its network to more destinations within Asia-Pacific, including within China and other countries later this year.