Qantas Freight is set to launch a new direct freighter service connecting Sydney and Shanghai, with flights commencing today.
The new route will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays using A330-200P2F aircraft, marking the first time Qantas’ Red Tail A330 freighters will regularly service the China-Australia corridor.
The addition strengthens Qantas Freight’s international network and is expected to support growing demand for direct air cargo capacity between the two countries’ major trade and logistics hubs.
According to Qantas, the new flight schedule has been designed to allow for efficient onward connections from other major Australian ports, improving access for exporters nationwide. The carrier says this will create more opportunities for Australian producers to reach global markets, particularly those reliant on time-sensitive exports such as fresh produce and pharmaceuticals.
The Sydney–Shanghai route joins Qantas Freight’s existing portfolio of international services, which include twice-weekly flights from Sydney to Hong Kong, a weekly service from Perth to Hong Kong, and frequent trans-Tasman routes. These include five weekly Sydney–Auckland flights and five return flights per week from Christchurch to Sydney.
Qantas Freight’s growing network reflects continued investment in cargo operations as international demand for reliable and fast freight options remains high.