SW Italia Builds On Partnership With HACTL

In late 2016, SW Italia extended its partnership with Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd (HACTL), one of the world’s leading air cargo terminal services, with a new deal. This development was welcomed by SW Italia’s President, Iganzio Coraci, who labelled it “an exciting new project” for both firms.

Strong partnership

Ignazio Coraci discusses SW Italia
SW Italia is growing strongly

SW Italia is fast-becoming one of Italy’s leading all-cargo airlines, with the goal of eventually becoming one of the most important in Europe. SW Italia is increasingly developing its network, to connect with the main cargo destinations for the Italian market. The locations currently featured in SW Italia’s network include the US, as well as various Asian markets like China, Vietnam on Hong Kong.

Building its Hong Kong operations, SW Italia has formed an extensive partnership with HACTL. Operating out of Hong Kong International Airport, HACTL supports the import, export and trans-shipment of air cargo for this Chinese city-state, utilising innovative technology to supply world-class service. SW Italia has now tasked HACTL with handling its new weekly Boeing 747-8F service.

Exciting project

An article on Global Trade Mag reports that this service will operate between Hong Kong and Prague. It will be for the exclusive use of Sto Express, one of China’s largest express operators, in what is believed to be the first regular European freight operation undertaken on behalf of any Chinese express carrier. The Boeing 747-8F will carry the livery i.e. company branding of Sto Express in flight.

Speaking out on SW Italia’s Hong Kong to Prague service, Ignazio Coraci said: “We look forward to working with Sto Express on this exciting new project, and are very happy to entrust the vitally important ground handling element of the operation to our long-term service partner HACTL.” This strengthened partnership was also welcomed by Mark Whitehead, HACTL’s Chief Executive.

Commenting further, Whitehead noted that “we are delighted to extend our relationship with SW Italia to include this new operation, which clearly signals the growing role of the mainstream airfreight industry in e-commerce logistics.” HACTL will supply a comprehensive service, encompassing ramp handling, cargo terminal operations, cargo documentation and crew transportation.

New opportunities

Hong Kong boasts a vibrant economy, with a fast-expanding e-commerce sector. Hong Kong International Airport is the world’s busiest airport by cargo traffic, providing plenty of opportunities for firms like SW Italia. SW Italia relies on HACTL’s familiarity Hong Kong International Airport to tap these opportunities, so the firm was the obvious choice, for this new Hong Kong to Prague service.

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