One Air commenced flight operations in July after receiving its Air Operators Certificate from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The additional B747-400BDSF will support its current flying programme offering full charter services connecting Hong Kong and London Heathrow.

The latest addition to the airline’s fleet, acquired on a long-term lease, is a former Air Canada passenger aircraft which was later converted to a freighter for Air China. Prior to joining One Air, it was in operation with Aerotranscargo.

READ: One Air takes-off as Britain’s newest all-cargo airline

Since the start of operations, One Air has also completed all-cargo flights ex China and Europe, flying charters on behalf of freight forwarding and charter broker customers. The extra aircraft is also expected to offer some further ad hoc capacity for global charter services in addition to the regular Hong Kong-London charter operations.

READ: One Air begins preparations to welcome second freighter

Paul Bennett, Chairman & CEO of One Air, and the airline’s major shareholder, said: “We have enjoyed a positive start to commercial operations and strong interest from the international cargo market, which reinforces our view of the long-term potential for a British all-cargo airline. We are extremely proud to be operating the only Boeing 747 freighters on the UK register and to be offering the aircraft’s outstanding cargo capacity. Our second aircraft has now entered service and increases our capabilities further – and, subject to gaining the necessary regulatory approvals, our aim is to add a third B747-400F in Q1 2024. We already have sufficient demand for a third aircraft, so our growth strategy at this stage is very much on track.”

One Air, headquartered close to London Heathrow, has already built a team of over 100 airline operations, flight crew, and cargo professionals with previous experience with Cathay Pacific, Emirates Airline, CargoLogicAir, Norwegian Airlines, and other major carriers.