Moscow-based carrier Aviastar-Tu has begun flying a Tu-204C freighter from Novosibirsk to Hong Kong on behalf of Russia Post.

Handling is provided by Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl).

The company said it plans to operate the aircraft, which can carry 28,500 kgs. nonstop 3,000 kms., four times a week between Russia and China by the end of the year - adding an extra frequency from Novosibirsk and a twice weekly service from Vladivostok.

Aviastar-Tu CEO Dmitri Kovalenko commented: "The contract for which we are operating these new flights is an important win. We are confident that Hactl's considerable experience in mail handling, and their dedicated Express facilities, will enable us to provide our customer with the highest possible service standards."

Hactl CEO Mark Whitehead added: "We are very pleased to welcome Aviastar-Tu to Hong Kong, and to the Hactl carrier community. This is an interesting new contract as we believe it marks the Tu-204C's first appearance in Hong Kong."

Aviastar-Tu began flying the Tu-204C in 2000 for European express carriers including TNT and DHL. In 2008 it began flying six times a week for DHL between Moscow and Leipzig and in 2012 operated cargo services for th company between Bahrain and Afghanistan.

Since 2013 Aviastar-Tu has been carrying mail and eCommerce traffic between China and Russia for Russia Post.

source: freightweek.org