Britain's new all-cargo airline, One Air, has completed its inaugural Boeing 747-400 freighter flight, operating a full charter for client Shandong Glory from China to the United Kingdom.

One Air said back in April that it aims to support demand for freighter services. The new cargo carrier also said it would be operating Boeing 747-400 freighters.

In a statement, One Air noted that the 100-tonne payload arrived at London Heathrow from Jinan-Shandong on July 25, marking the commercial launch of the new airline.     

"This is a landmark day for One Air and all our team and partners in the UK, who have worked so hard to prepare for our successful launch since the awarding of our AOC by the UK Civil Aviation Authority," said Chris Hope, One Air's chief operating officer.

"As well as ad hoc charter flights, we are now also commencing a regular flying programme from Asia Pacific to Europe with two 747F flights per week," he added.

Second freighter on the way

Meanwhile, the One Air COO said the cargo carrier's second freighter aircraft is on the way —  further boosting the carrier's capacity.

"Work is also underway to add a second 747F to our fleet, which we hope will enter service in early Q4. We are delighted to be open for business," Hope added.

One Air anticipates regular demand for flights from the UK to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia regions, with services to China and the US to follow.

"It is a proud day for us to operate our first customer flight and marks the start of our strategic development plan to build One Air's reputation with clients in prime air cargo markets around the world," said Paul Bennett, One Air's CEO.

"One Air is the only UK operator of the Boeing 747 with its dry leased B747-400SF. In preparation for its launch of operations, it has established a team of over 100 aviation and air cargo specialists, based at its headquarters near London Heathrow," the One Air chief executive added.

Jacky Wu, general manager of Shandong Glory, said the company is  "proud to have shared this milestone with One Air."

"It is pleasing to see a new British cargo airline take to the air, and we wish One Air great success as it works to establish its place in the global market," Wu added.

One Air is also looking to offer freighter services to the US. It was granted a foreign air carrier permit by the US Department of Transportation in June for US flights.

The new British cargo carrier has dry leased its first B-747 freighter and is now the only UK operator of the B-747.