Venipak Group, an international parcel delivery company, is expanding its services to help support Eastern Europe’s growing demand for cargo freight shipments.

The Riga-Hong Kong-Riga direct cargo flight will reduce transit time and costs for international companies based on current passenger flight irregularities and shipping disruption.

Ongoing COVID-19 restrictions have severely altered the frequency of passenger flights around the world, directly affecting global cargo shipments. The demand for international passenger flights in March 2021 fell 87.8% from 2019 figures, putting a strain on international companies, which use these flights to transport goods.

International trade difficulties such as the cancellation of international passenger flights, backlogs at shipping ports, coupled with local lockdowns, have also forced companies to shift their shipments from maritime to international freight. air. This overload raises issues such as limited cargo space on flights and fixed flight schedules that limit the efficiency of cargo deliveries around the world.

To help support the growing demand for air cargo transportation and help businesses hit by pressure from charter flights, the international parcel delivery company Venipak Group launches direct cargo flight Riga-Hong Kong-Riga, from September 18^e.

“We are seeing increased demand in the Baltic region as well as in Eastern Europe for more efficient shipping solutions that would connect Asia, Europe and North America. The options that exist at the moment just don’t work, ”said Justas Sabliskas, CEO of Venipak Group. “Many businesses suffer from irregular and disrupted delivery times, and direct long-distance sea flights are a rarity for the region. All of this adds to the increased tension.

The route of the cargo flight is set up directly between Hong Kong and Riga without a transit stop between the two, reducing the flight time to the Baltic States to two working days and greatly reducing the risk of damage to the cargo. The capacity of the Boeing 737-800 BCF aircraft allows a wider variety of cargo to be shipped, such as Dangerous Goods (DGR), heavy or non-standard sizes. Regular weekly flight schedules and fixed prices during peak season make budget, operations, production and sales planning easier for businesses. E-commerce customs clearance will add more extra capacity for peak season.

The company also noted that the interest and need for such direct cargo flights to the region has been overwhelming – the flight sold out completely within two days. Goods from the Baltic States and Poland, such as auto parts and cosmetics, were among the first goods delivered from Riga to Hong Kong.

“We are delighted that Venipak has chosen Riga International Airport as the headquarters for air cargo services, and we can also mark Hong Kong on our direct cargo destination map. This confirms that the ongoing work to develop and strengthen the airport’s freight segment is a step in the right direction and that our customers appreciate the potential of Riga Airport as a Baltic air hub, including in the air cargo sector. Riga Airport offers both the necessary solutions and growth opportunities for our customers’ businesses, ”explained ArtÅ«rs Saveļjevs, member of the board of directors of Riga International Airport.

With the first flights scheduled once a week, Venipak aims to increase the frequency to two flights a week and expand cargo flights to mainland China and the United States, as well as add a route from Hong Kong to the coast. western United States in the future.