Hong Kong Air Cargo (HKAC) has expanded its European footprint with the launch of a new scheduled charter freighter service linking Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Athens International Airport (ATH).
The new route, which commenced operations on 2 February 2026, marks the airline’s 14th destination and represents the latest step in its ongoing network growth across Europe.
Under the new schedule, cargo flights will operate twice weekly, with departures from Hong Kong and Athens taking place every Monday and Thursday. The service is structured as a scheduled charter operation designed to support specific cargo flows between Asia and Southern Europe.
Strengthening Asia–Europe Air Cargo Connectivity
HKAC said the Athens service reflects its strategy to provide flexible and tailored charter solutions for freight customers while continuing to build a broader European cargo network.
In a company statement, the carrier described the new route as an important addition that enhances its operational capability to meet evolving cargo requirements, particularly in sectors such as e-commerce and high-value goods moving between Asian manufacturing hubs and European distribution markets.
The airline has steadily expanded into Europe over the past two years as demand for dedicated freighter capacity between Asia and the region has grown.
Rapid European Network Expansion
HKAC first entered the European cargo market in October 2023 with the launch of freighter services to Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy.
The network has since expanded with a series of additional destinations, including:
- Liège Airport in Belgium (February 2024)
- Oslo Airport in Norway (September 2024)
The United Kingdom has also emerged as a key focus area for the airline’s European cargo strategy. HKAC launched freighter operations to London Stansted Airport in February 2024, followed by services to Birmingham Airport in October 2024.
The network continued to grow in 2025 with new routes to Glasgow Prestwick Airport in February and East Midlands Airport in November, further strengthening the airline’s presence in the UK’s cargo logistics ecosystem.
The addition of Athens now extends HKAC’s European reach into the Eastern Mediterranean, providing new routing options for cargo operators and logistics providers serving Southern European markets.
Fleet Growth Supports Network Development
To support its expanding operations, HKAC has continued to increase its freighter fleet.
Earlier in January 2026, the airline introduced an additional Airbus A330-200 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft. The aircraft joins a fleet that already includes five Airbus A330-200 production freighters, all dry-leased from parent company Hong Kong Airlines.
The airline also operates an EFW-converted Airbus A330-300P2F aircraft under an ACMI lease arrangement, further strengthening its widebody cargo capacity.
The Airbus A330 platform has become a key aircraft type for many cargo operators because of its balance between payload capability, range and operating efficiency—making it well suited for medium- to long-haul freight routes between Asia and Europe.
Positioning for E-commerce Growth
Industry analysts note that HKAC’s rapid expansion into European markets aligns with the continued rise of cross-border e-commerce shipments, which have significantly increased demand for dedicated freighter capacity between Asian production centres and European consumer markets.
By adding Athens to its network, the airline gains access to a strategic gateway serving Southeast Europe and the broader Mediterranean region, while strengthening its position in the competitive Asia–Europe air cargo corridor.
With additional fleet capacity and a growing network of European destinations, HKAC appears poised to further expand its operations as cargo demand between Asia and Europe continues to evolve.
