Air Belgium to operate B747-8Fs for Hongyuan Group

In December, we reported that Air Belgium was planning to add the B747-8F to its fleet and that these would, most likely, be operated for CMA CGM. Now, the Hongyuan Group has announced that the Belgian carrier will be operating a duo of Jumbojets for the Chinese company.

The aircraft involved are the two former Saudia B747-8Fs which have been acquired recently by Hongyuan. Originally, the plan was that they would be operated by AirBridgeCargo but this is clearly changed.

The first aircraft ready for operations is M-ABOW (37563, former HZ-AI4), which is wearing a hybrid Air Belgium/Saudia/Hongyuan-livery and will be added to the Belgian register soon.

At the same time of announcing the delivery of the aircraft, Hongyuan Group has also said it's planning to acquire 49,95% of the shares in Air Belgium. The airline currently operates two A330-900s, four A330-200Fs (owned by and operated for CMA CGM) and two A340-300s.

Photo by Hongyuan Group.