The Mexican freighter operator MasAir (or mas, as it is currently also known) has begun flying between Mexico City Benito Juárez International (MEX) and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO). mas has launched this route as part of its growth plans in the cargo segment. Let’s investigate further.

Flying to China

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the direct connectivity between Mexico and China has been heavily hampered. Currently, no commercial airline flies between both countries (in 2019, Aeromexico and Hainan Airlines had services that included carrying cargo in the bellies of the aircraft).

To attend to the demand for cargo services between Mexico and China, mas has recently launched a new commercial route between Mexico City and Zhengzhou.

The airline is employing an Airbus A330-200P2F, with a capacity to carry up to 60 tons of cargo per flight. mas is operating two flights per week to China (soon to be increased to three), enabling it to carry up to 350 tons weekly and over 18,000 tons yearly.

Jesús Seade Kuri, Mexico's Ambassador to China, mentioned that this first flight will facilitate and promote trade between Asia and America. He added,

"Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, located in Henan Province, is a strategic hub for handling cargo flights due to its logistics and solid capabilities in the sector. On the other hand, Mexico City International Airport is the main link and access to Mexico's large and growing domestic market, and also the gateway to the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean.”

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The Mexican carrier mas began flying to China. Photo: MasAir

First Latin American cargo airline in three continents

By launching this route to China, mas has become the only Latin American cargo airline to fly to three continents.

Luis Sierra, CEO of the cargo airline, said,

“With the start of this first operation to China, we expand our global presence, being the first Latin American cargo company to operate in 3 continents. We are deeply grateful to UTA, who has been the best promoter of this project. UTA is a reliable partner with extensive knowledge of the transportation industry and a keen vision for the future; it has the professional equipment and creative solutions needed for today's world.”

UTA, better known as Universal Translink Aviation Transportation Service, is a Chinese company focused on the international freighter market.

In July, mas is looking to add a second destination in China. It will fly directly to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) three times a week.

This will mean a total of six weekly flights between Mexico and China, offering the market a capacity of more than 700 tons of air cargo per week between the two countries.

mas is expected to increase its route network by up to 150% and to increase by 300% the aircraft leasing services with crew, maintenance, and insurance, known as ACMI, provided by the company in 2022 alone.

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mas has received two Airbus A330-200(P2F). Photo: MasAir

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mas’ fleet

The Mexican cargo carrier has a fleet composed of five aircraft, according to data provided by ch-aviation.

mas operates two Airbus A330-200(P2F)s recently received. The airline also has three Boeing 767s, including one B767-200(SF) and two B767-300F. mas expects to receive two additional Airbus A330-300(P2F) shortly.

Do you think mas should increase its connectivity between Mexico and Asia? Let us know in the comments below.