NEWS

Cathay Cargo launches weekly freighter service to Bangkok

The carrier’s weekly Boeing 747-400F freighter rotation adds dedicated uplift for Thai exporters and freight forwarders with onward connectivity via its Hong Kong hub

Cathay Cargo has launched its weekly freighter service to Bangkok on 6 May 2026, marking its return to the city since its last regular freighter operation 10 years ago. The new service adds dedicated uplift for Thai exporters and freight forwarders with connectivity via its Hong Kong hub. 

Operating every Wednesday and originating from Hong Kong, the Boeing 747-400F provides customers with additional uplift and greater flexibility through more shipping options for both general cargo and selected special shipments. The service adds dedicated freighter capacity to complement the existing belly capacity on Cathay Pacific’s passenger service, enabling exporters and logistics partners to better manage peak-period demand. This also provides an option for freight that may be constrained on passenger services, such as outsized freight, high-density cargo, and eligible dangerous goods.

Ashish Kapur, Cathay Regional Head of Cargo, Southeast Asia & Oceania said: “The return of our scheduled freighter to Bangkok marks an important step in strengthening Thailand’s cargo connectivity with the world. As Bangkok grows as a high-potential market and an emerging high-tech manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, this service supports Thai exporters and freight forwarders while expanding routing options through our Hong Kong hub to enable smoother onward connections. As demand for air freight continues to grow, we remain committed to working closely with local shippers and forwarders to deliver dependable capacity and efficient end-to-end solutions for a wide range of cargo, from high-value manufactured goods to temperature-sensitive perishables.”

Thailand remains an important market for Cathay Cargo within its Southeast Asia network. In 2025, Cathay Cargo carried more than 29,000 tonnes out of Thailand, reflecting steady year-on-year growth and demand across a broad mix of cargo, including general goods, time-sensitive shipments and special cargo.

Via Cathay’s Hong Kong hub, the service enhances routing choice and connectivity for Thai exporters, and onward access to key long-haul markets such as North America and the Chinese Mainland. This is underpinned by the strong hub infrastructure at Hong Kong International Airport, where dedicated cargo terminal capabilities support handling requirements for special shipments. Customers can also benefit from track-and-trace and monitoring options, providing greater visibility over their shipments. Through Hong Kong, the reach into the wider Greater Bay Area is further extended, supporting customers shipping into Southern China beyond airport-to-airport movements.

The resumption of the service reinforces Cathay Cargo’s continued commitment to Thailand as a key cargo market, underscoring its focus on providing reliable capacity and seamless connectivity to support exporters and freight forwarders across the region. With its vision of becoming the world’s best air cargo carrier, Cathay Cargo offers a comprehensive suite of specialist solutions tailored to diverse shipping needs, such as Cathay Dangerous Goods, Cathay Fresh, Cathay Secure, and Cathay Live Animal.