AIR ONE appoints Ilya Gavrilin as Business Development Director APAC to drive scheduled and charter freighter growth
AIR ONE has appointed Ilya Gavrilin as Business Development Director APAC to support the growth of its Boeing 777F and 747F scheduled and charter freighter services across Asia Pacific.
Quadrant Pilot and Infinity Sim Wings launch APS MCC+ enhancing airline pilot preparation beyond the core APS MCC course
Quadrant Pilot, a UK Civil Aviation Authority Approved Training Organisation, has partnered with Infinity Sim Wings to introduce APS MCC+, an APS MCC programme with additional structured development elements designed to strengthen pilot readiness for airline operations. APS MCC+ retains the full APS MCC course delivered in accordance with UK CAA and EASA requirements. The additional “plus” elements sit alongside the approved course structure, providing further preparation, coaching and operational exposure without altering the regulatory training framework. While APS MCC provides the required foundation for multi-crew cooperation, APS MCC+ has been developed to focus on how pilots apply those competencies in an operational context. The programme combines Quadrant Pilot’s full flight simulator capability and approved training governance with Infinity Sim Wings’ behavioural expertise and coaching approach. Rather than applying a standardised training pathway alone, APS MCC+ incorporates competency diagnostics informed by over 17 years of applied behavioural research. These diagnostics are used to identify individual development areas, allowing training to place greater emphasis on behaviours that directly influence performance in a multi-crew environment. The additional elements within APS MCC+ are designed to support airline readiness by: Reinforcing decision making and communication in operationally realistic scenarios Aligning observable behaviours with airline competency frameworks Strengthening consistency in crew interaction and task management Preparing pilots for the expectations of airline selection and type rating The core APS MCC course is delivered through four days of ground school supported by Cockpit Procedure Trainer sessions, followed by 40 hours of simulator training on A320 and B737 platforms. Alongside this, APS MCC+ includes a dedicated airline immersion day delivered outside the APS MCC syllabus. This provides additional exposure to line-oriented flying with real-time ATC, dynamic weather and live traffic scenarios, designed to reflect the variability and operational pressure of airline environments. As airlines continue to recruit and develop new pilots, the focus is increasingly shifting towards operational readiness and facilitating the development of specific observable behaviours and skills. APS MCC+ has been designed to support this by ensuring that pilots are better prepared to meet airline expectations as they progress into selection and type rating. Simon Bill, Managing Director of Quadrant Pilot, said: “We see a clear distinction between completing a course and being ready to operate in an airline environment. APS MCC+ has been designed to build on the APS MCC foundation by focusing on how pilots think, communicate and make decisions in practice.” Hani Nabeel, Founder of Infinity Sim Wings, added: “Our focus has always been on developing confident and credible pilots. By combining behavioural insight with realistic simulation environments, we can support pilots in building the skills that matter in day to day operations.” APS MCC+ is open to self-sponsored cadets, modular and integrated graduates, and pilots preparing for airline selection or type rating. The APS MCC course is delivered under UK CAA and EASA approved training frameworks. For further information, visit www.quadrantpilot.com
AIR ONE International Holdings establishes AIR ONE Technics at MBR Aerospace Hub, Dubai South
AIR ONE International Holdings has established AIR ONE Technics, a UAE-based company providing line maintenance and continuing airworthiness management services for the group’s fleet. Located at MBR Aerospace Hub, Dubai South, AIR ONE Technics will support the group’s technical operations in the United Arab Emirates. The new company is led by Ayrat Gilmutdinov, Chief Executive Officer. Ayrat is a results-oriented aviation leader with extensive experience in strategic and operational roles, bringing a strong focus on innovation, process optimisation, and data-driven decision-making. Alex John, who has also joined the company as Director of Supply Chain & Logistics, brings over 35 years of expertise in aviation materials and logistics management across major Middle Eastern carriers, with a proven record in building efficient, compliant, and technology-driven supply chain systems. Ayrat Gilmutdinov, Chief Executive Officer of AIR ONE Technics, commented: “AIR ONE Technics has been established to strengthen our commitment to safety, quality, and operational reliability — values that define every aspect of how AIR ONE serves its customers.” AIR ONE Technics forms part of AIR ONE International Holdings, a global aviation group with activities spanning aircraft operations, commercial management, and technical support across key international markets. Tahnoon Saif, CEO of Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, said: “The launch of AIR ONE Technics at MBRAH underscores the attractiveness of Dubai South as a destination for specialised aviation investments. We remain committed to enabling companies with advanced capabilities to grow and thrive, contributing to the development of a robust, sustainable, and future-ready aviation sector in the UAE.”
SF Express partners with AIR ONE to expedite cross-border deliveries between China and the UK with new Ezhou-East Midlands freighter services
SF Express, the largest integrated logistics service provider in Asia, has commenced a new partnership with freighter specialists AIR ONE to expedite cross-border deliveries between China and the United Kingdom. Under the terms of the initial one-year charter agreement, four Boeing 747-400BDSF freighter services per week now connect the central China hub of Ezhou with East Midlands Airport (EMA), the UK’s primary cargo gateway in the Midlands region, enabling faster nationwide deliveries. The new route is part of SF’s strategic planning in Europe and network expansion worldwide. It restructures Sino-UK cross-border transit times and will support increasing trade and logistics demand between China and the UK. The first flight operated on 2 November from Ezhou Huahu International Airport (EHU), marking the official launch of SF’s inaugural all-cargo route to the United Kingdom. The arrival of the fully loaded aircraft after its 16.5-hour flight marked the official launch of SF’s first all-cargo route to the United Kingdom. The new Ezhou-East Midlands cargo route not only fills the gap of direct air transport capacity from Ezhou to the UK, it significantly shortens the end-to-end cross-border logistics time between China and the UK to 4 days, providing an efficient and stable air channel for time-sensitive goods such as cross-border e-commerce, high-end manufacturing, and fresh cold chain products. “We are honoured to have been chosen by SF, one of the world’s largest and most respected logistics companies, as their partner for this landmark route,” said Mark Middleton, Head of Charters at AIR ONE. “This agreement reflects SF’s trust in our operational standards and strategic access to the UK market. As the leading UK-based widebody freighter operator, our goal is to continue developing strong partnerships that support cross-border trade and create sustainable logistics bridges between Asia and Europe.” Peter Huang, Head of International Air Freight Department, SF International Business Center, added “The launch of the new route between Ezhou and East Midlands is a crucial step in SF’s global network deployment. Our in-depth partnership with AIR ONE not only shortens the delivery time of cross-border logistics between China and the UK to 4 days, but also empowers industries such as cross-border e-commerce, high-end manufacturing, and fresh cold chain with an efficient and stable airfreight channel. In the future, SF will continue to expand its international air network and provide more intelligent and sustainable logistics solutions for global trade.” The launch of this new route reinforces AIR ONE’s strategic ambition to strengthen connectivity between the UK and Asia, positioning the group as a leading provider of widebody freighter capacity for China-bound markets and a key enabler of the UK’s global trade growth.
AIR ONE demonstrates ability to handle oversized shipments
AIR ONE has transported eight furnace coil boxes measuring 12 metres on a Boeing 747-400 Freighter operated by affiliated cargo airline One Air. The flight from Liege to Abu Dhabi was operated for Deugro Abu Dhabi with the shipment, which weighed 57 tonnes, getting loaded through the nose door of the aircraft. Saeed Ghodrat, Senior Manager Charter at AIR ONE said that the arrival of One Air’s second nose-loading B747-400F at the end of last year adds capacity for oversized shipments. He said: “Given our extensive knowledge of the 747-400’s cargo-carrying capabilities and our ability to coordinate loading and unloading at departure and arriving airports, we can respond to the need for fast charter services for out-of-gauge shipments as well as supporting flying programmes for projects which require a combination of general and outsize freighter capacity.” Ilyas Abdulla, Head of Business Development and Sales at Deugro Abu Dhabi said: “We are pleased with the quality of service provided by AIR ONE, particularly their adherence to the schedule and the consistency of their updates.” AIR ONE markets a fleet of 11 B747-400Fs for three airline partners including two nose-loading versions. In the last five years, AIR ONE has organised over 3,750 full charters carrying more than 345,000 tonnes of cargo to over 100 destinations.
AIR ONE International Holdings expands fleet with first Boeing 777 freighter
AIR ONE International Holdings has taken delivery of its first new Boeing 777 Freighter, with a second aircraft due by the end of 2025. The freighter, acquired through subsidiary AeroTransCargo FZE, will be operated by UK-based affiliate One Air under an operating lease and is painted in the airline’s blue, yellow, and white livery. The 107-tonne payload 777F will complement the group’s fleet of 11 Boeing 747-400Fs, strengthening its global cargo operations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The delivery represents the group’s first-ever production 777F and the start of a long-term fleet expansion strategy aimed at positioning AIR ONE as a leading global cargo capacity provider. Chairman Guneet Mirchandani called the delivery a milestone in the group’s growth path, while One Air’s CTO David Tattersall highlighted the new opportunities the aircraft brings alongside its 747 fleet. Boeing executive Omar Arekat praised AIR ONE’s expansion, noting the 777F’s capacity, range, and reliability. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates—including AeroTransCargo SRL (Moldova), ROMCargo Airlines (Romania), and One Air (UK)—AIR ONE offers ACMI, long-term charters, and soon, scheduled services. Operating from offices in London, the UAE, and Hong Kong, the group connects major global trade lanes with flexible, customer-focused airfreight solutions.
AeroTransCargo gains financial boost for engine refurbishment
AeroTransCargo (ATC) FZE, the aviation asset management arm of AIR ONE International Holdings, has closed a senior term loan facility with HALO AirFinance, a joint venture between GA Telesis and Tokyo Century Corporation. The deal will fund key fleet investments as ATC continues to grow its presence across global air cargo markets. The loan will primarily support engine procurement and refurbishment for ATC’s fleet of Boeing 747-400 freighters, while also covering start-up costs associated with the addition of new aircraft to the fleet. The funding aligns with the group’s broader strategy to reinforce operational capabilities and scale up its cargo offerings across strategic global lanes. “We are proud to have earned the trust and support of HALO AirFinance, which reflects not only our growth performance but also their confidence in our long-term vision, strategy, and operational resilience,” said Guneet Mirchandani, chairman of AeroTransCargo. “As part of the wider AIR ONE network, we are committed to building a scalable and sustainable cargo platform, supported by strategic partners who understand the value we bring to the global air cargo market and the stakeholders who rely on wide-bodied freighter capacity.” Marc Cho, co-head and managing director of HALO AirFinance, said the deal highlights HALO’s focus on flexible funding models for aviation operators. “This financing underscores HALO’s mandate to deliver customised capital solutions across the aviation lifecycle. We are pleased to support a leading cargo operator and look forward to continuing to expand our reach across global markets.” ATC is a key part of AIR ONE International Holdings, a group that includes cargo operators AeroTransCargo (Moldova) and ROMCargo Airlines (Romania), as well as UK-based One Air. The network operates one of the world’s largest wide-body freighter fleets, with 11 Boeing 747-400 aircraft serving a mix of long-term charter, ACMI, and scheduled service agreements. Headquartered across London, the UAE, and Hong Kong, AIR ONE has handled more than 3,750 full charters over the last five years, transporting over 345,000 tonnes of cargo to more than 100 global destinations.
AIR ONE celebrates first ever scheduled freighter service
AIR ONE has successfully launched its first scheduled freighter service with the arrival of a Boeing 747-400F at the UK’s East Midlands Airport (EMA) from Hong Kong. Operated by its affiliated airline One Air, the inaugural flight landed at 05:45 on 4th September, ahead of schedule, carrying a full payload of 109,484 kilos across 39 pallets The new four-times-weekly service marks the start of a new chapter for AIR ONE and strengthens its long-standing presence in Hong Kong. With late evening departures from Hong Kong, the service is tailored for time-sensitive cargo such as e-commerce and electronics, arriving into EMA early the next morning. From there, cargo is distributed across the UK through Swissport’s nationwide road feeder services, providing fast and reliable access to key hubs including London Heathrow, Manchester, and Birmingham. From January 2020 until August 2025, AIR ONE has operated more than 3,000 B747 charter freighter flights from Hong Kong to 35 destinations worldwide, transporting over 300 million kilos of cargo. Establishing a permanent Hong Kong office, led by Director Far East Spencer AuYeung, demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to the market and its investment in building a strong local team. “Launching scheduled services is a significant step in AIR ONE’s development and adds a third pillar to our service portfolio alongside wet lease and charter operations,” said Peter Scholten, Chief Commercial Officer of AIR ONE. “We are proud that our first scheduled flight departed with a full payload, and grateful for the strong customer support from day one.” He added: “Hong Kong has always been a vital market for us, and this new route provides the foundation for a broader scheduled operations strategy. By 2026, AIR ONE plans to expand frequencies from Hong Kong and add further routes to its network.” As the UK’s prime cargo airport and a leading freighter hub, East Midlands provides AIR ONE with an ideal base to serve the UK market thanks to its 24/7 operations and central location with fast nationwide connection.