Boeing 777-300ERSF operations from Liège will boost capacity in India and strengthen China connectivity across key global trade corridors
Challenge Group has announced a significant expansion of its international air cargo network with the launch of two new direct freighter services connecting Liège Airport (LGG) with Mumbai (BOM) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) from 2 July 2026.
Operated using the company’s advanced Boeing 777-300ERSF freighters, the new routes represent a strategic investment in two of the world’s most important manufacturing, technology, and trade centres. The expansion further reinforces Challenge Group’s commitment to building an integrated global logistics network linking Asia with Europe, the United States, and South America.
The Mumbai service will mark an important upgrade to Challenge Group’s existing India operations. The carrier will transition from three weekly Boeing 767 freighter services to two weekly Boeing 777-300ERSF flights, providing customers with significantly enhanced capacity, improved operational efficiency, and stronger connectivity through its European hub in Liège.
Simultaneously, the launch of the Shanghai route will deepen Challenge Group’s footprint in China, complementing its existing ten weekly rotations between Liège and Zhengzhou (CGO). The additional capacity will create greater opportunities for cargo movement across major international markets and support growing trade flows between Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
India and China continue to play a central role in global manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, technology production, industrial development, and consumer markets. By strengthening direct access to both economies, Challenge Group aims to provide customers with more efficient transportation solutions for increasingly complex and time-sensitive global supply chains.
The Mumbai route will operate twice weekly, while the Shanghai service will offer three weekly frequencies. Both operations will be served by the Boeing 777-300ERSF, one of the most capable widebody freighter platforms available in the market, delivering greater payload capacity, flexibility, and operational performance.
The expanded network is expected to support a broad range of specialised cargo sectors, including pharmaceuticals and life sciences, high-tech products, industrial machinery, project cargo, oversized shipments, special loads, and other high-value commodities.
Combined with Challenge Group’s extensive road feeder network, ground handling expertise, and end-to-end logistics capabilities, the new services will provide customers with seamless multimodal transportation solutions across international trade lanes.
Commenting on the development, Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer of Challenge Group, said:
“These new services are much more than additional flights. They represent another important step in the execution of our long-term growth strategy and our commitment to building a stronger global cargo logistics network for our customers.”
“India and China continue to play an increasingly important role in global trade, and by investing in direct connectivity to both markets, we are creating new opportunities for our customers while strengthening the links between Asia, Europe, the US and South America.”
“As supply chains continue to evolve, customers are looking for partners capable of providing flexible, reliable and fully integrated logistics solutions. These new routes reinforce our ability to deliver exactly that, while laying the foundations for further expansion in the years ahead.”
Yossi Shoukroun, Chief Executive Officer of Challenge Group, added that the Mumbai and Shanghai launches reflect the company’s wider strategy of investing in network expansion, fleet modernisation, and operational capabilities.
“We continue to invest in our network, our fleet, our people and our capabilities to ensure that we remain ahead of our customers’ future logistics needs. These routes are part of a much broader growth strategy designed to expand our global reach and strengthen our position in key markets around the world.”
“While this marks an important milestone, it is only one step in our journey. We have an ambitious vision for the future, and we are already actively working on the next phase of our network development.”
The latest expansion highlights Challenge Group’s long-term ambition to strengthen its position as a global provider of tailored air cargo and integrated logistics solutions. By increasing direct connectivity with India and China—two of the world’s fastest-growing cargo markets—the Group is positioning itself to better support evolving customer demands, resilient supply chains, and future international trade growth.
