Compass Cargo Airlines Begins China Cargo Flights

Bulgaria’s Compass Cargo Airlines has officially launched its first scheduled cargo flights to China, marking a significant expansion into the Chinese market. The route, which connects Liège, Sofia, and Zhengzhou, is now operational, with the inaugural flight conducted on November 1, 2024. This development positions Compass Cargo Airlines as a key player in the growing cargo sector between Europe and China.

Operating the route is Compass Cargo’s Boeing 747-400FSCD, registered as LZ-CJA, which is currently the airline’s only widebody freighter. Since the launch, the airline has maintained daily flights, although it has yet to publish a fixed schedule for the service. Compass Cargo Airlines has not disclosed specific customer details for these flights, keeping commercial partners under wraps.

Earlier this year, Compass Cargo Airlines secured essential traffic rights to serve multiple Chinese destinations, including Zhengzhou, Shanghai Pudong, and Shenzhen. These rights, granted in March 2024, provided the airline with the regulatory clearance needed to expand its network into Asia, a region with growing demand for cargo services. Before this new route to China, Compass Cargo’s widebody freighter primarily operated between Liège and various destinations across the United States. It also occasionally conducted charter flights, including several to China, to meet specific customer needs.

This expansion reflects a broader strategy by Compass Cargo to leverage demand for air freight services between Europe and Asia. Zhengzhou, a major logistics hub in China, is strategically located in the Henan Province and plays a crucial role in the country’s domestic and international trade. By connecting to Zhengzhou, Compass Cargo Airlines taps into a thriving logistics ecosystem, providing European businesses with a direct route to one of China’s busiest freight regions.

In addition to the B747-400FSCD, Compass Cargo Airlines operates a fleet of four Boeing 737-800(SF) freighters for regional services within Europe. Two of these aircraft are contracted to DHL Express and operate primarily out of Leipzig/Halle, Germany, enhancing the airline’s footprint in the European cargo market. The B737-800 freighters allow Compass Cargo to cater to high-frequency, short-haul routes across Europe, supporting various businesses and logistics providers.

Compass Cargo Airlines’ move into the Chinese market aligns with a broader trend among European cargo operators looking to capitalize on trade routes to Asia. Air freight between Europe and Asia has seen a steady increase, driven by e-commerce growth, manufacturing demand, and seasonal peak shipments. By establishing regular service to China, Compass Cargo not only diversifies its route network but also positions itself to capture a share of this expanding market.

For Bulgaria, Compass Cargo’s expansion highlights the country’s growing role in global logistics. By establishing a strong cargo link between Europe and China, Compass Cargo Airlines contributes to Bulgaria’s position as a strategic point for trade. With demand for efficient and timely air freight solutions on the rise, the airline’s entry into the China market signals its commitment to growing its operations and meeting international shipping needs.

In summary, Compass Cargo Airlines’ new China route signifies an important milestone for the Bulgarian carrier, enhancing its international presence and opening up new opportunities for cargo transportation between Europe and Asia.

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