SF Airlines Launches Shanghai–Singapore Cargo Link, Changi Becomes Overseas Hub
SF Group has designated Singapore Changi Airport as its inaugural international hub under an April 2026 agreement, enhancing air freight capacity between China and Southeast Asia.
New Shanghai–Singapore Cargo Service
SF Airlines has initiated a new Boeing 767 freighter service connecting Shanghai with Singapore, according to SF Group. This development follows a cooperation agreement signed in April 2026 between SF Group and Changi Airport Group, which designates Singapore Changi Airport as SF Group's first international hub.
The new air cargo route aims to enhance direct freight connections between Singapore and China, Singapore's largest air cargo market. This service is specifically designed to facilitate the movement of high-value and technology-related goods between the two economies.
Changi's Role in Regional Expansion
The five-year cooperation agreement, established in April 2026, outlines Changi Airport's support for SF Group's expansion across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Oceania. This strategy provides SF Group with a crucial regional platform outside China for consolidating and distributing cargo across multiple markets.
For freight forwarders and shippers, the significance extends beyond a single new flight, enabling cargo from China to connect with various Asia-Pacific destinations without exclusive reliance on individual point-to-point services.
SF Group views Singapore as a vital component of its international growth strategy, leveraging Changi's established position as a major international air cargo gateway to improve logistics flows throughout Asia-Pacific and strengthen links with broader global markets.
Expanding Asia-Pacific Network
SF Airlines has maintained a presence at Changi Airport since 2018, initially operating a Boeing 767 freighter service from Shenzhen. The new Shanghai route now expands the network to include another major Chinese origin point. This latest development aligns with SF Airlines' wider expansion efforts across Asia.
In March 2025, the carrier inaugurated a weekly Boeing 767-300 freighter service linking Ezhou Huahu International Airport in China with Bengaluru, India. This operation established a direct air cargo connection between China and India, with Worldwide Flight Services providing cargo and ground handling services at Bengaluru.
Ezhou Hub and Future Outlook
Ezhou Huahu International Airport continues to serve as a key operational base for SF Airlines. In August 2025, ST Engineering and SF Airlines jointly opened an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Ezhou through their venture, ST Engineering Aerospace Hubei Aviation Services.
This facility, which began with two hangars, supports line and heavy maintenance for both cargo and passenger aircraft. When fully operational, it can accommodate up to four widebody or eight narrowbody aircraft simultaneously, providing essential infrastructure for SF Airlines' expanding international freighter operations.
Changi Airport Group has stated its intention to deepen its cooperation with SF Airlines as the carrier further expands its network through Singapore.
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