U.K. transportation company One Air initiates regular cargo flights service
One Air, a British all-cargo startup, has marked a significant milestone with the arrival of a Boeing 747-400 freighter aircraft at East Midlands Airport, signalling the expansion of its operations to this central location.
This move comes at a time when the global air cargo industry is grappling with a volatile trade environment. Demand for air cargo has seen a steep decline, with a drop of around 5% year over year over the past six months. Despite these challenging circumstances, One Air is forging ahead with its ambitious expansion plans.
The CEO of One Air, Paul Bennett, a veteran of the air cargo industry and the majority owner of the company, is spearheading this expansion. Bennett's extensive experience in the industry is expected to guide One Air through the current market turbulence.
One Air's new service is tailored specifically for e-commerce and electronics shippers with time-sensitive cargo. Recognising the growing importance of these sectors, One Air will operate four times per week, providing a reliable and efficient service for its customers.
One Air's network spans across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, serving key points such as Amsterdam and Maastricht-Aachen airports in the Netherlands; Larnaca, Cyprus; Muscat, Oman, and Singapore. The company's expansion to East Midlands Airport in April 2024 is a strategic move aimed at leveraging the airport's advantages, including its lack of congestion, fewer night flying restrictions, and cargo-focused ground support.
In addition to its expansion in the UK, One Air has also established a permanent office in Hong Kong to better serve potential customers and facilitate bookings through its sister airlines. Last year, One Air received approvals to operate flights to Japan, Malaysia, and several airports in China, further expanding its global reach.
Prior to its scheduled service, One Air operated between Hong Kong and London Heathrow airport, and conducted charter operations at various UK airports, including London Stansted, Birmingham, Doncaster/Sheffield, Glasgow Prestwick, and Cardiff.
In a bid to adapt to the changing market dynamics, One Air has recently transitioned from offering ad hoc and long-term charter flights to a scheduled service. This shift is expected to provide stability and predictability for its customers.
One Air's fleet consists of three Boeing 747-400 converted freighters, including one nose-loading plane. In late August, the company took delivery from Boeing of its first 777 freighter, marking a significant upgrade in its fleet capabilities.
Shipments will be distributed across the United Kingdom through a road feeder service managed by Swissport, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of cargo.
One Air's ownership structure is complex, with London-based airline leasing aircraft from AeroTransCargo FZE, an aviation asset management company based in the UAE. Guneet Mirchandani, the majority owner of Air One Aviation, owner of AeroTransCargo and RomCargo Airlines, and a citizen of the UK and India, plays a significant role in the company's operations.
The decline in volumes has been largely felt on the China-U.S. trade lane, with stronger demand from Asia to Europe. This shift in trade patterns presents both challenges and opportunities for air cargo companies like One Air, and the company is well-positioned to capitalise on these opportunities with its strategic expansion and service offerings.
