Sofia Surging into Global Air Freight Market with New Scheduled Cargo Flights Connecting Liège and Zhengzhou, Marking a Major Expansion for European-Bulgarian Carrier into China Starting November 2024

Published on November 5, 2024

In November 2024, Compass Cargo Airlines, headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, launched its scheduled cargo flights to China, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion. The flights connect the Belgian city of Liège with Zhengzhou, China, with a stopover in Sofia, Bulgaria. The airline’s first flight on this route took place on November 1, 2024, using its only widebody freighter, a Boeing 747-400FSCD (registration LZ-CJA, msn 26559). Since then, Compass Cargo Airlines has been operating daily services, though the airline has yet to disclose a formal flight schedule for the route.

Securing Key Traffic Rights and Expanding Reach

In March 2024, Compass Cargo Airlines received traffic rights for several key Chinese destinations, including Zhengzhou, Shanghai Pudong, and Shenzhen. This development marks a clear push to tap into the growing demand for freight services between Europe and China, especially as global trade volumes continue to rise. Before the scheduled launch of the China route, the airline had been mainly operating its freighter between Liège and various destinations in the United States. It occasionally conducted charter flights to China and other regions, but these services were more ad-hoc in nature.

Daily Service and Future Prospects

Despite not releasing detailed information about customer demand or the specifics of their flight schedules, the introduction of daily flights between Liège, Sofia, and Zhengzhou signifies Compass Cargo’s serious commitment to serving the burgeoning Chinese market. This move aligns with the broader trend of increasing air freight demand between Europe and Asia. By securing these traffic rights and beginning regular service, Compass Cargo is positioning itself as a key player in the competitive global air cargo sector.

Operational Fleet and Capacity

Compass Cargo Airlines operates a diverse fleet of cargo aircraft, with its centerpiece being the Boeing 747-400FSCD. In addition to this widebody freighter, the airline also utilizes four Boeing 737-800(SF) freighters for European operations. Two of these 737 aircraft are under contract with DHL Express, operating from Leipzig/Halle, a major logistics hub in Germany. These smaller aircraft are well-suited for European routes, providing flexible and efficient cargo services across the continent.

The B747-400FSCD, which is the airline’s only widebody freighter, is equipped to carry large volumes of goods over long distances. This aircraft has enabled Compass Cargo Airlines to bridge the gap between major global freight markets, including Europe, the U.S., and China. The addition of regular flights to China is likely to boost the airline’s capacity, providing more opportunities for businesses to move goods between these key markets.

Travel and Freight Industry

The entry of Compass Cargo Airlines into the Chinese market has significant implications for both the air cargo industry and global supply chains. Air freight remains a critical component of international trade, especially for high-value, time-sensitive goods. The introduction of scheduled services to China means that businesses in Europe, particularly in Belgium and Bulgaria, will now have a more reliable and direct option for transporting goods to and from China. This is especially important as China continues to be one of the largest manufacturing and export hubs in the world.

The daily service also means that Compass Cargo Airlines is prepared to meet the rising demand for air cargo in a post-pandemic world, where global logistics networks are in the process of recalibration. With the Chinese economy playing a crucial role in global trade, any disruption in freight services to and from China can significantly affect industries worldwide. Therefore, Compass Cargo’s expanded reach provides much-needed capacity in the global supply chain, helping to stabilize and streamline operations for businesses across industries.

Looking Ahead: Global Expansion and Competition

As Compass Cargo Airlines strengthens its presence in China, it is likely that the company will look to expand further into other global markets. The strategic move into Asia opens up the possibility for future routes to other key locations in the region, such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, and other major Chinese cities. Furthermore, the airline’s ability to connect European airports with Asian hubs like Zhengzhou will increase competition among established air cargo carriers that currently dominate the transcontinental freight market.

This heightened competition can benefit businesses and consumers by providing more options, reducing shipping costs, and potentially improving service reliability. As airlines like Compass Cargo expand their networks, there will likely be an increased focus on improving efficiency and speed within the air freight sector, which could result in innovations in both operational practices and technology.

Compass Cargo Airlines’ debut of scheduled flights to China marks a major step in its global expansion strategy. With its daily services from Liège to Zhengzhou, via Sofia, the airline has tapped into the growing demand for air freight services between Europe and China. The addition of regular flights to these important markets reflects the airline’s ambition to become a more prominent player in the global cargo sector. The expansion also underscores the increasing importance of air cargo in the interconnected global economy, with significant impacts on businesses and the broader logistics industry.

Key Statistics:

• Launch Date: November 1, 2024
• Aircraft Used: Boeing 747-400FSCD (LZ-CJA)
• New Routes: Liège – Sofia – Zhengzhou
• Fleet: 1 Boeing 747-400FSCD, 4 Boeing 737-800(SF)

Global Impact:

• Increased Capacity in Europe-China air freight
• Enhanced Logistics Options for global businesses
• Competition Growth in the global cargo industry