UK-BASED freighter carrier One Air has added a third Boeing 747-400 freighter to its fleet as it looks to cater for rising demand between Asia and Europe.

The new freighter has joined on a five-year lease from AeroTransCargo and completed its first flight between Hong Kong and East Midlands Airport in the UK, reports London's Air Cargo News.

One Air said that the freighter offers nose-loading capabilities and can carry up to 124 tonnes as it is an extended range (ER) model.

In support of its third aircraft, One Air has recruited a further 27 flight crew and support staff, taking the total workforce at its UK headquarters to over 125 aviation and cargo professionals.

Said Paul Bennett, One Air's chairman and CEO: "Our business case was always based on the high demand we saw for a British cargo airline, and this is being borne out by the volume of flights we are operating.

"The arrival of our third 747-400 and its increased capacity and capability will enable us to provide more availability to our growing client base. We are also pressing ahead with our future fleet plans and expect to add at least one more freighter in the first half of 2025 based on our current growth plan."

The airline has been growing its fleet steadily since it commenced flights with its first 747-400F in July 2023.

The carrier added a second 747 aircraft in November to meet rising demand from China and Hong Kong to Europe.

Meanwhile, it has also moved its UK operating base from Heathrow Airport to East Midlands to benefit from greater slot availability and fewer restrictions around night-time flying.