Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) has expanded its presence in the Asia-Pacific air cargo market through a long-term lease agreement with Air Hong Kong for an Airbus A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (A330P2F) aircraft. The aircraft, owned by ATSG subsidiary Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM), is scheduled to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2026. It will support Cathay Cargo’s regional freight operations, serving destinations across the Chinese Mainland and wider Asia. The agreement marks a significant step in ATSG’s strategy to grow its footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing cargo markets while supporting Cathay Cargo’s ongoing network expansion and capacity enhancement plans.
Air Hong Kong Chief Operating Officer Agatha Lee said the addition of the A330P2F would help the airline capitalize on opportunities created by the Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport.
“We look forward to welcoming this newest addition to our fleet, which will enable Air Hong Kong to leverage the opportunities presented by the Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport to expand our presence in the region,” Lee said. “This marks an exciting chapter for Air Hong Kong as we expand our business to support the ongoing development of the Hong Kong international aviation hub.”
ATSG president and CEO Greg Mays said the lease highlights increasing demand for efficient widebody freighter capacity across the Asia-Pacific region.
“This placement reflects the growing demand for efficient widebody freighter capacity across the Asia-Pacific region and underscores the strength of ATSG’s leasing platform,” Mays said. “Cathay Cargo and Air Hong Kong are recognized leaders in global air cargo, and we are proud to support their continued growth with a proven freighter solution.”
He added that the transaction aligns with ATSG’s strategy to strengthen partnerships with leading cargo operators in key international markets while reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s premier air cargo gateways.
The Airbus A330P2F has gained popularity among cargo operators due to its fuel efficiency, payload capacity, and operational flexibility, making it well-suited for regional and medium-haul freight operations.
Andy Lawrence, President of Cargo Aircraft Management, said Air Hong Kong’s decision to lease the aircraft demonstrates the growing appeal of the A330 freighter platform.
“Air Hong Kong’s selection of this A330P2F demonstrates the value proposition the platform offers operators looking to expand and modernize their fleets,” Lawrence said. “We are pleased to support the Cathay Group with this aircraft and look forward to building upon our relationship in the years ahead.”
The leased aircraft forms part of ATSG’s expanding freighter portfolio and reflects the company’s continued investment in meeting evolving cargo demand across global aviation markets.
