China Cargo and SF Airlines Sign MOU on US Routes and Logistics

China Cargo Airlines and SF Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at deepening cooperation on international air cargo capacity and logistics development. The agreement, concluded on February 1, 2026, focuses on capacity-sharing arrangements on key transpacific routes as well as joint initiatives in intermodal freight services linking Asia with Europe and the Americas.

Under the MOU, China Cargo Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern Air Holdings, and SF Airlines will implement a capacity-swap framework on services between Shanghai Pudong and Los Angeles, as well as on flights linking Shenzhen with Los Angeles. The arrangement is designed to optimise aircraft utilisation, improve schedule flexibility, and better match capacity with customer demand on one of the world’s most competitive and strategically important air cargo corridors.

Los Angeles remains a critical gateway for transpacific freight, supporting high volumes of e-commerce, technology products, perishables, and industrial goods. By coordinating capacity on these routes, both carriers aim to enhance reliability for freight forwarders and logistics partners while reducing operational inefficiencies associated with fragmented schedules and underutilised lift.

Beyond air cargo cooperation, the agreement also extends to the joint development of intermodal logistics products. These initiatives will focus on building seamless transport solutions that connect Southeast Asia with Europe and the Americas, combining air freight with ground and, where applicable, sea transport. The goal is to offer end-to-end logistics services that shorten transit times, improve cargo visibility, and provide more flexible routing options for shippers operating across multiple regions.

For China Cargo Airlines, the partnership strengthens its presence in the transpacific market and complements its existing long-haul network from Shanghai. The carrier has been steadily expanding its international footprint as Chinese exporters and logistics providers seek diversified and resilient supply chain solutions amid ongoing shifts in global trade patterns.

SF Airlines, the aviation arm of SF Express, brings to the partnership a strong domestic and regional network, as well as deep integration with express and e-commerce logistics flows. Its growing long-haul fleet and focus on time-sensitive shipments position it as a key player in China’s expanding air cargo sector. Cooperation with China Cargo Airlines allows SF Airlines to extend its reach on major international lanes while leveraging shared capacity to manage costs and demand volatility.

The MOU reflects a broader trend within the global air cargo industry toward closer collaboration between carriers, particularly as operators seek to balance growth opportunities with cost pressures and network complexity. By pooling resources on flagship routes and jointly developing multimodal products, China Cargo Airlines and SF Airlines aim to enhance competitiveness while delivering more comprehensive logistics solutions to global customers.

While the agreement does not disclose financial terms or specific capacity allocations, both carriers indicated that the cooperation is intended as a long-term framework that could be expanded to additional routes and markets as demand evolves.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com