SF Express' 30th Anniversary - SF Airlines' All-Cargo Fleet Surpasses 80 Aircraft

On the morning of March 26, 2023, SF Airlines' 80th freighter (B767-300BCF) arrived at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport and docked at the airside of SF Express' South China Transit Center, officially joining the SF fleet. Coinciding with SF's 30th anniversary, the expansion of SF Airlines' fleet to 80 aircraft marks a significant milestone in the company's three decades of steady development and establishes a new starting point for future growth.

As China's first private express airline and currently the largest cargo carrier by fleet size, SF Airlines welcomed its first freighter (B-2899, B757-200F) in Shenzhen in late 2009, launching its maiden domestic route "Shenzhen=Hangzhou". Over thirteen years of development, SF Airlines has built a diversified fleet capable of supporting both domestic and international cargo networks, comprising 3 B747-400ERFs, 19 B767-300BCFs, 41 B757-200Fs, and 17 B737-300/400Fs, with wide-body aircraft accounting for nearly 30% of the fleet. This continuous expansion and optimization of capacity has created essential conditions for developing competitive air logistics services and fulfilling the company's economic and social responsibilities.

Fleet Development Timeline

2012: SF Airlines' fleet exceeded 10 aircraft

2013: Launched first international route "Shijiazhuang=Incheon (South Korea)"

2016: Introduced first wide-body freighter (B767-300BCF)

2018: Added first B747-400ERF; fleet surpassed 50 aircraft

2019: Inaugurated first intercontinental route "Wuxi-Chongqing-Hahn (Germany)-Wuxi"

2023: Fleet expanded beyond 80 aircraft

Economic Service: Scale Advantage as Core Competitiveness

Aircraft capacity forms the foundation for SF Airlines to develop routes, build networks, serve industrial supply chains, and contribute to economic growth. Since commencing operations, the airline has expanded its fleet at an average rate of six aircraft annually while increasing its wide-body proportion. From establishing initial capabilities to achieving industry-leading scale, SF Airlines has developed core competencies in serving domestic and international express logistics markets and promoting industrial economic development.

Currently, SF Airlines' 80 freighters operate across more than 40 Chinese cities and regions, executing nearly 150 daily flights. The company can rapidly deploy aircraft and ground resources to develop dedicated transport lines and customized solutions, helping clients achieve greater logistics efficiency and faster returns.

Social Service: Scalability Meets Diverse Needs

While specializing in secure, efficient express air transport and customized logistics solutions, SF Airlines remains committed to social responsibilities and diverse transportation demands. Its expanding fleet and network enable greater scheduling flexibility and faster response capabilities, ensuring not just timeliness but sustainability.

During the COVID-19 pandemic's initial phase, SF Airlines organized flights within 17 hours to establish the first cargo channel into affected cities, stabilizing supply chains. At the pandemic's peak, dozens of freighters were mobilized, repeatedly setting records for rapid route activation to transport epidemic prevention materials, daily necessities, and work resumption supplies. For routes experiencing volume surges, the airline leveraged its scale advantage to upgrade aircraft or increase frequency dynamically.

With growing fleet capacity and enhanced cargo capabilities, SF Airlines now handles increasingly diverse commodities including general cargo, live animals, oversized/heavy shipments, perishables, and commercial dangerous goods (Categories 1-9 compliant with regulations).

Future Service: Expanded Scale Writes New Chapter

Reaching 80 aircraft signifies SF Airlines' strengthened operational foundation and enhanced service capabilities to assume greater social responsibilities. Amid China's push for high-quality economic development, the airline will focus on fleet expansion to bolster operational capacities, elevate supply chain services, strengthen its air logistics brand, and deliver amplified economic and social value.