SF Airlines Completes 11 Years of Safe Operations

On December 31, 2020, SF Airlines successfully completed its annual air transport operations while marking eleven years of safe operations. Throughout this extraordinary year, the carrier operated 45,000 flights, transported 830,000 tons of cargo, and achieved 100,000 safe flight hours.

Demonstrating Responsibility: Delivering Aviation Logistics Value

Empowered by China's Belt and Road Initiative and 13th Five-Year Plan, SF Airlines has continuously strengthened its high-efficiency, high-reliability service capabilities in domestic and international markets. When COVID-19 struck, the carrier responded decisively to fulfill its social responsibilities as an air logistics provider.

As Wuhan became the pandemic's initial epicenter, SF Airlines initiated "reverse flights" on January 24 to stabilize supply chains and support the city's fight against the virus. By Wuhan's reopening on April 8, the airline had operated 290 relief flights carrying 6,874 tons of medical and essential supplies - reportedly the highest number of aid flights among Chinese carriers. When Xinjiang experienced outbreaks mid-year, SF Airlines promptly launched three new routes in August to deliver critical supplies to Kashgar and Hotan.

With the pandemic spreading globally, SF Airlines adapted to shifting demand by rapidly opening new routes to Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Belgium, Croatia and other destinations, setting records for fastest route activation to ensure cross-border emergency logistics.

From mid-February onward, while maintaining epidemic relief operations, SF Airlines supported economic recovery by restoring and adding domestic/international routes for industrial goods, collaborating with SF International and specialized business units to facilitate work resumption in manufacturing, cross-border e-commerce and fresh produce sectors.

United Response: Collaborative Epidemic Fight 

SF Airlines' ability to establish Wuhan air corridors within 17 hours and rapidly launch multiple routes reflected China's efficient aviation emergency response mechanisms. The carrier received tremendous support including expedited flight approvals, air traffic priority, and airport resource allocation from aviation authorities nationwide.

This operational resilience stemmed from longstanding crisis preparedness. Beyond routine emergency drills, SF Airlines maintained strategic reserves of emergency supplies, creating buffer capacity for pandemic relief missions.

These achievements depended on frontline teams' dedication - ground staff volunteering for Wuhan missions despite infection risks, maintenance crews making overnight drives to support flights, pilots adapting to prolonged PPE use, and support staff making hundreds of calls daily to secure supplies. Their efforts earned multiple 2020 honors including "Most Beautiful Courier Team" and national transportation system COVID-19 response awards.

Strengthening Operations: Enhancing Service Capabilities 

Amid pandemic response, SF Airlines advanced its operational infrastructure in 2020. By year-end, its fleet grew to 61 aircraft (including 2 B747-400ERFs, 8 B767-300BCFs, 34 B757-200Fs and 17 B737-300/400Fs) with optimized capacity for varied ranges. The network expanded to 77 global destinations, extending from Asia/Europe to North America. With three owned simulators, it became China's largest B757/B767 simulator operator, elevating training capabilities. These developments created critical foundations for optimizing logistics services and building self-sufficient international supply chains.

New Horizons: Embarking on Next Chapter 

2020 concluded China's 13th Five-Year Plan period during which SF Airlines achieved significant operational advancements with government support. As the 14th Five-Year Plan begins, with its dual-circulation development strategy, robust economic growth will drive logistics system improvements where air cargo will play increasingly vital roles.

As a dedicated air logistics provider, SF Airlines remains committed to enhancing service capabilities, leveraging favorable policies and enterprise development to assume greater responsibilities in building China's logistics supply chains and national logistics system as this new journey unfolds.