Yangtze River Express to start Shanghai-Luxembourg Airfreight Line

The first mainland-Taiwan joint venture air cargo carrier Yangtze River Express Airlines is to launch Shanghai-Luxembourg service this month, deploying Boeing 747-400s, reports Xinhua.

Sun Hongxiang, president of Yangtze River Express, said the company wanted to become more competitive through exploring international cargo routes, especially to Europe and the United States.

Mr Sun said the company has been running at a loss since it started and meeting operation costs would remain a challenge. But he said the situation will improve after expansion of fleet and the launch of more international services.

The carrier is going to take delivery of another two Boeing 747-400 aircraft in 2008. By 2011, the carrier plans to have 11 wide body aircraft.