Britain’s new all-cargo airline, One Air, has completed its inaugural Boeing 747-400 freighter flight, operating a full charter for client Shandong Glory from China to the United Kingdom (UK).
The 100-ton payload arrived at London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) from Jinan-Shandong on July 24, marking the commercial launch of the new airline.
The 747 has since flown back to China on July 26, 2023, and is expected to arrive back at Heathrow on July 27, 2023, evening.
The airline plans to complete ad hoc charter flights as well as two freighter flights per week.
One Air has also confirmed that it will add a “second 747F to our fleet, which we hope will enter service in early Q4”.
“This is a landmark day for One Air and all our team and partners in the UK, who have worked so hard to prepare for our successful launch since the awarding of our AOC by the UK Civil Aviation Authority […] We are delighted to be open for business,” said Chris Hope, One Air’s COO.
One Air is the only UK operator of the Boeing 747 with its dry leased B747-400SF.
“It is a proud day for us to operate our first customer flight and marks the start of our strategic development plan to build One Air’s reputation with clients in prime air cargo markets around the world,” said One Air’s CEO, Paul Bennett.
The Boeing 747, registered as G-UNET, first flew for Air Canada in August 1991 and then flew as a freighter from 2006 with Air China Cargo.
“We are proud to have shared this milestone with One Air and thank everyone connected with the flight from China for a highly efficient operation and customer experience. It is pleasing to see a new British cargo airline take to the air and we wish One Air great success as it works to establish its place in the global market,” said Jacky Wu, general manager of Shandong Glory.