Eastern Air Cargo launches 777 service with Flexport

Flexport has become the launch partner for Eastern Air’s express freighter service, with a multi-year contract using Boeing 777s with converted main deck cabins for e-commerce goods.

US-based Eastern is expected to begin flying its 777 express freighters, once approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, on behalf of California-headquartered freight forwarder Flexport with twice weekly services between Chicago and Hong Kong airports, as well as between Chicago and Saigon’s Ho Chi Minh City hub.

The new design converts the main deck cabin of the widebody passenger 777 into a cargo aircraft that will enable Flexport clients – valuable global brands and fast-growing e-commerce companies – to fulfil consumer demand.

The soon-to-be launched service will join Flexport’s tech-enabled global airfreight, container freight station (CFS) and trucking network.

As all shipments are managed via the Flexport Platform, clients utilising the Eastern’s Express Freighter service will benefit from end-to-end control of their shipments and continuous milestone visibility.

Flexport clients shipping from Asia hubs into the US Midwest can use Flexport Platform data to determine high value SKUs and prioritise shipments to control.

Eastern has purchased five 777s for cargo conversion, with an option to acquire 30 additional 777s. Eastern Air Cargo offers general cargo sales, cargo charters, ACMI/wet-leasing and dry leasing in customisable routes.