Scoot (TR, Singapore Changi) will deploy its passenger-configured B787-9s on cargo charters between Singapore Changi and destinations in China on behalf of its parent Singapore Airlines (SQ, Singapore Changi), the airline confirmed to Air Cargo News.
Singapore Airlines Group will become the second operator after Cathay Pacific (CX, Hong Kong Int'l) to use its passenger aircraft's bellyhold capacity to run cargo-only flights to China. The shortage of said capacity as a result of the termination of most passenger services has significantly affected the overall volume of available cargo space available on flights to and from China.
Scoot said it would operate cargo charters to Guangzhou and Nanjing during March 2020, despite all of its passenger services to China having been suspended through April 25, 2020.
The airline underlined that special precautions would be taken with no crew members staying in China. Ground handling agents will be wearing protective suits, and the aircraft will be thoroughly disinfected after returning to Singapore.
While most of its passenger...
