Teleport, the logistics venture of airasia Digital, further reinforces its position as a regional player in the cargo and logistics business with the recent launch of its dedicated 737-800 freighter, and the unveiling of its unique livery. 

In a statement, it said the addition of the dedicated freighter, brings Teleport’s current active fleet to a total of 252 planes (including AirAsia Group’s passenger planes) and will enable greater consistent capacity on key air cargo routes across Southeast Asia.

Increasing e-commerce, general cargo demand

Teleport noted that since the start of 2020, it has set out to build a cargo-only network across the key air cargo lanes in the region to cater for the increasing e-commerce and general cargo demand.

It added that it will continue to enhance its capabilities to compete in the fast growing, cargo and e-commerce markets across Asean. 

"The growth of cargo services in emerging markets, along with the increase in air cargo revenue due to e-commerce and technological developments in both new aircraft technologies and the digitisation of the industry has spearheaded our company’s focus. We are certain that the addition of the freighter under our belt will reinforce our stand in the industry - with more to come in the coming year," said Adrian Loretz, chief operating officer of Teleport.

"It not only demonstrates our confidence in our growth potential but also aids in scaling our operation to meet the air cargo market’s needs which include palletised loads over loose loading and demand a solid base frequency, reliable schedule and specific departure/arrival times," Loretz added.

Teleport noted that the aircraft will be stationed in Bangkok, able to reach key markets including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chennai, Mumbai and all the major destinations in Southeast Asia from Thailand, connecting long-haul markets to Southeast Asia through containerised capacity. 

The freighter’s fully containerised main deck and large volume capacity of 21T total max payload is also capable of carrying numerous items under the Dangerous Goods category as per IATA regulations, including Lithium batteries.

"The addition of the Freighter into our fleet will accelerate the company's goal to shift from a pure air freight logistics provider to a complete multi-modal operator. We’ve always been on a fast track growth route to continuously propel Teleport’s air cargo business forward by spotlighting our commitment towards moving anything across Southeast Asia. We look forward to what’s in the pipeline not just for Teleport but for everyone in the industry,” Pete Chareonwongsak, chief executive officer of Teleport, said.

Top 3 cargo operators in ASEAN goal

Bo Lingam, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Aviation Limited, for his part said: "With borders reopening worldwide in varying phases, building a more robust and resilient cargo network is vital to empowering the Teleport brand and AirAsia group as a whole."

"Teleport is on the right track to contribute to the logistical accessibility and the growing demand of the region. It's evident that Teleport is committed to supporting businesses of all sizes, particularly with the rapid growth of e-commerce and the upcoming year-end surge."

Teleport’s 737-800 Freighter was acquired through a multi-year agreement with K-Mile Asia, Thailand’s express freight airline, further paving the way for its cargo expansion and stamping its mark as a leading logistics player in the region. 

Loretz noted that Teleport's partnership with K-Mile Asia will allow it to extend its regular cargo schedule to meet these specific demand to key cities in Asia.

Meanwhile, the new aircraft’s livery design reflects the brand colours of Teleport as the dedicated freighter prepares for its first flight across key routes in Asia —  representing Teleport’s service philosophy.

"[This signals our] commitment towards further establishing Teleport and the AirAsia Group as amongst the Top 3 cargo operators by capacity in Asean," it added.