SF Express, the largest private express logistics company in China, is set to build a freight hub airport in Wuhan or neighboring cities in Central China's Hubei Province, president of S.F. Express (Group) Co., Ltd. Tu Wei told CAACNews in an interview. Currently, the logistic company is undergoing investigation and site selection in the South Central China to construct its own airport.
Meanwhile, a reliable source disclosed via Sina Weibo, SF has made up its mind for the location of its own airport. A cargo air hub is expected to be built at Yanji, a town suited on the borders of Ezhou, Huanggang and Huangshi, which would be the first freight hub in Asia and the fourth in the world.
Establishing its own airport is a natural course as the express company develops to a certain extent, which would enhance logistics efficiency and cut costs with more flexibility in delivering routes.
SF holds the dominated position in domestic air cargo market. In 2014, it served a total of 830,000 tonnes of cargo and mail, accounting for 20% of the total in China. Although SF has advantages in government support and "One Belt and One Road" initiative, it is a challenge to complete its own airport by 2020, because the express delivery company still puts a lot of efforts into expanding its fleet.
Now, SF owns a fleet of 40 cargo and charter aircraft, in which 10 are cargo aircraft. The company recently signed a contract with Boeing to buy 25 767-300Fs, a source familiar with the matter said. Besides, the company also has taken delivery of six 767-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversions from Qantas. The number of cargo aircraft in the company's fleet would grow to 100 by 2020, including both owned and chartered.