NordStar Airlines to add freighters

CargoFacts is reporting that NordStar Airlines is entering the dedicated cargo-flying business by adding up to three B737-800BCFs. The first is expected for delivery in December, while the second is planned for January or February next year. A timeline for the third is currently unknown. All three aircraft will be sourced through various lessors.

The freighters will be mainly used on cargo flights between Krasnoyarsk, Moscow-Domodedovo and Norilsk. NordStar is, however, also interested in deploying them between Russia and China to tap in on the growing e-commerce business.

Currently, NordStar Airlines has a fleet of one B737-300 and nine B737-800s. It's also planning to introduce up to five leased B737-8s in the coming year. It also operates three ATR42s, which are in the process of being transferred to its regional flying partner KrasAvia. The airline has its main bases at Krasnoyarsk and Norilsk, with secondary hubs at Moscow-Domodedovo and Novosibirsk. It mainly flies domestic and regional but also carries out seasonal charters to destinations in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey.

Photo by NordStar Airlines.