Changi Airport inks deal to be first overseas hub for China logistics giant SF Group

[SINGAPORE] Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Shenzhen SF Taisen Holding (SF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop Changi Airport as SF’s first overseas hub, the groups announced on Thursday (Apr 30).

The five-year MOU marks a significant milestone in the international expansion plans of SF Group – the largest integrated logistics service provider in China and Asia – and underscores the group’s “long-term commitment to Singapore”, the release read.

Under the partnership, SF Group will use Singapore as its overseas hub to expand its reach across South-east Asia, South Asia and Oceania.

The collaboration aims to capitalise on Asia-Pacific’s long-term economic growth and the rapidly expanding air trade within this area, and between the region and the rest of the world, the groups said.

The move will leverage Singapore’s strategic location and Changi Airport’s role as a global consolidation and transhipment hub. 

The effort will be supported by the growth of SF’s network at Changi Airport, which currently includes daily freighter services between Singapore and Shenzhen operated by SF Airlines.

SF Airlines, the aviation arm of SF Group, is currently China’s largest cargo airline with a fleet of more than 90 freighters.

The partnership is also expected to augment Changi Airport’s express cargo capacity and network.

Yam Kum Weng, chief executive officer of CAG, said: “This… partnership brings together the best of both networks and expertise, enabling us to move more high value and time-critical goods seamlessly across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond,” he added. 

Dick Wong, SF Group’s chairman, executive director, and general manager, described Singapore as a “key node” in SF’s global expansion strategy. 

“Through deeper cooperation with CAG, SF will further optimise its resources across the South-east Asia, South Asia and Oceania regions,” he said.