Qantas Freight operated its first dedicated freighter service to Singapore’s Changi Airport on April 3, 2026. The twice-weekly flights run on Fridays and Sundays using Airbus A330 freighters on a Sydney-Shanghai-Singapore rotation, each carrying more than 50 tons of cargo.
Prior to this, Qantas relied on belly-hold capacity from passenger flights for freight through Singapore. The new service extends the existing Sydney-Shanghai route, providing shippers with direct connections across Australia, China, and Southeast Asia.
The expansion aligns with rising air cargo demand in Asia Pacific, fueled by e-commerce and high-value goods such as electronics and semiconductors. Singapore serves as a key consolidation hub for trade routes linking Australia, China, Europe, and the region.
Igor Kwiatkowski, who oversees Qantas Freight operations, said the service offers flexibility for time-sensitive shipments in tech and e-commerce.
Changi Airport Group Executive Vice President Lim Ching Kiat noted that Qantas decision to expand fits regional trends. The decision by Qantas Group to expand its freighter operations to Singapore is timely, as we continue to see stronger air cargo demand in Asia-Pacific and the region’s increasing importance as a key driver of global air cargo growth. The extended Singapore stop between Sydney-Shanghai will further cement Changi Airport’s role as a critical node facilitating air trade between Australia, China, Europe, and Southeast Asia, he said.
Australia’s International Air Services Commission allocated Qantas unlimited freight capacity on the route for 99 years starting March 27, 2026. The A330 freighters operate under a wet lease with Qantas subsidiary Express Freighters Australia.