The founder and CEO of Skyway Airlines (Philippines) (SR, Angeles City Clark International) says he intends to acquire another two B737-400(F)s this year, proclaiming it to be one of the best aircraft for short-haul intra-Asia cargo flights.

"This year, we are targeting two more aircraft, two more -400Fs," Jose Peralta told the Cargo Facts Connect podcast. "We are also looking to upgrade to medium-sized widebody aircraft because of our partner networks with other airlines, which have huge potential."

Peralta's comments follow the recent launch of Skyway's first international flights between Clark and Hong Kong International. To date, the cargo carrier has used its single dry-leased B737-400(F) to connect Clark with Cebu and Davao.

Peralta said Skyway Airlines had settled on Hong Kong as its first international destination because of its open skies policy. He also said it was a place where "you can get a higher value for your goods."

"Now we are there, we are negotiating to fly to other destinations from Hong Kong," he added.

Peralta elaborated that the Boeing classic freighters are a good match for the local market, much of which is driven by e-commerce. He said e-commerce shippers are demanding volumetric capacity. "It's only worth their time [to deal with us] if they can ship in bulk and we can do six or seven flights a day."