SF Airlines Completes Decade of Safe Operations

On December 31, 2019, SF Airlines successfully concluded its annual air transport operations and celebrated a decade of safe flight operations. Since its maiden flight on December 31, 2009, SF Airlines has safely accumulated over 330,000 flight hours, transported more than 2.5 million tons of cargo, and built a fleet of 58 freighters. It now serves 65 cities and regions globally, adhering to its philosophy of “Leveraging aviation advantages to achieve win-win logistics success” to provide competitive air logistics services.

Within ten years, a former SF courier with no aviation background advanced to become a captain fulfilling the "highest responsibility.”, From starting with one aircraft and a single route, SF Airlines has grown into China's largest cargo airline by fleet size, with services spanning Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Europe.

【 On the morning of December 31, 2019, at the scene of the 10th anniversary celebration of SF Airlines. Photo by Chu Wenming】

Taking Off: The Birth of SF Airlines
In 2005, amid robust economic growth and booming import-export trade, China's express delivery industry grew by over 25%. With years of chartered transport experience, SF Express began building its own air capacity. On November 10 that year, the SF Airlines Preparatory Team was established. Nearly four years later, on December 31, 2009, the airline launched its first self-owned freighter B-2899 on the Shenzhen–Hangzhou route, becoming China’s first private express carrier.

【 On October 20, 2009, representatives from the Civil Aviation Administration of China issued three certificates to SF Airlines' first all cargo aircraft B-2899 at a modification plant in the United States: aircraft airworthiness certificate, nationality registration certificate, and radio license. The country of registration of the aircraft changed from the United States to China. On October 23rd, B-2899 arrived at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport and a few hours later flew to Guangzhou for complete machine spraying.】

【In December 2009, the B-2899 aircraft, which had undergone a "facelift," officially flew back to SF Airlines' main operating base, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, starting a new "career. On August 28, 2019, the B-2899 had been in operation for 30 years, making it the only "senior" aircraft in China that has been in operation for over 30 years.】

Expanding Wings: The Growth of SF Airlines

As SF Group’s air cargo arm, SF Airlines provides safe, efficient air express services and customized logistics solutions. Unlike traditional “airport-to-airport” cargo carriers, express freighters like SF Airlines form the core of “door-to-door” timed delivery, integrating closely with ground operations such as pickup and sorting. During peak periods like “Double Eleven,” “Double Twelve,” and Lunar New Year, the airline prioritizes maximizing efficiency in cargo consolidation, ground-air coordination, and air transport while ensuring safety.

1. Growing Network, Expanding Operations

The fleet size tells SF Airlines' growth story:

* December 18, 2015: First wide-body B767-300BCF delivered in Singapore.

* April 30, 2016: 29th and 30th freighters joined, making it China's largest cargo fleet.

* October 28, 2018: First B747-400ERF acquired via online auction entered service after airworthiness restoration, making SF Express the first Chinese delivery firm to operate a B747 freighter.

* December 21, 2018: Fleet exceeded 50 aircraft, entering the medium-sized airline league.

The route network expanded rapidly. The inaugural Shenzhen–Hangzhou route launched on December 31, 2009, later extending domestically and internationally. On January 17, 2013, Incheon became its first international destination, followed by Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and Europe. Today, it serves over 60 cities worldwide, supporting China's “Belt and Road” initiative and cross-border e-commerce.

【On October 28, 2018, SF Airlines' first B747-400ERF completed nearly a year of airworthiness restoration work 

and arrived at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, officially joining the SF fleet.】

【On September 15, 2019, SF Airlines' first intercontinental route "Wuxi Chongqing Haen Wuxi"

was officially opened, operated by SF Airlines B747-400ERF.】

2. Strengthening Capabilities, Enhancing Service

Beyond aircraft and routes, SF Airlines focuses on infrastructure and IT. In 2015, it self-operated ground services at Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Beijing bases, introducing specialized vehicles, talent, IT systems, and smart devices. Processing efficiency from handover to loading improved by nearly 30%.

The airline emphasizes IT and technology, developing tailored systems for aging aircraft management, operational control, maintenance, flight dispatch, and cargo loading. These systems enhance collaboration and service quality.

3. Innovating Services, Unlocking Potential

E-commerce and mobile internet drove demand. SF Airlines strengthened its ability to offer customized logistics solutions, such as seasonal fruit transport routes in 2018–2019. Using freighters and ground networks, it enabled “branch-to-tongue” fresh produce delivery, boosting agricultural and e-commerce sectors.

Under the “Belt and Road” initiative, SF Airlines expanded charter services, launching routes like Shenzhen–Chennai and Shenzhen–Delhi. These carried electronics and industrial equipment exports, and e-commerce imports, facilitating trade and brand globalization.

The airline also fulfilled social responsibilities, supporting relief efforts for the 2010 Yushu earthquake and 2015 Nepal earthquake with freighter flights carrying oversized relief supplies.

【On September 18, 2018, SF Airlines' "Yangzhou (Thailand)=Changchun" hairy crab air freight line was officially opened,

and a B737-300F was loading at Yangzhou (Thailand) airport. Photo by Yu Xing】

4. Building Team cohesion

In early 2019, a courier-turned-pilot story went viral, highlighting SF Airlines'“Feng Yi Initiative” talent program. Since 2007, this program has recruited and trained aviation professionals from within SF Express, including pilots, mechanics, and dispatchers. By end-2018, over 100 employees had transitioned via this program.

This initiative reflects SF Airlines' culture of professionalism and practicality. As of November 2019, it employed over 3,000 staff, with growing IT and R&D teams. In 2016, it was voted “Most Popular Employer—Cargo Airline” in annual industry rankings.

【On July 1, 2019, the appointment ceremony for the new captain of SF Airlines was held in Shenzhen,

including a pilot named Wang Qinjin (first from the left) who successfully transitioned

from a express warehouse keeper through the internal recruitment system of the "Fengyi Operation"】

Looking Ahead

As a latecomer to traditional air cargo, SF Airlines strives to strengthen operations and contribute to modern logistics systems. As an early player in express air delivery, it has witnessed e-commerce growth, unlocked potential in express air models, and supported agriculture and cross-border e-commerce. It aims to become the most trusted air transport partner.