Hong Kong Airlines has received its first Boeing 737 freighter and plans to operate it on the Hong Kong-Hangzhou route.

The aircraft is the first of three Boeing 737-300Fs that the carrier plans to add in the coming months, says a Hong Kong Airlines official, who wishes to remain anonymous.

This first aircraft has come from Hainan Airlines, confirms the official. Hainan Airlines owns Hong Kong Airlines.

According to Flight's ACAS database, the first 737-300F has manufacturer's serial number 27362 and was formerly a passenger aircraft with Hainan Airlines' China Xinhua Airlines.

Hong Kong Airlines plans to start operating the first 737-300F on 18 January on the Hangzhou-Hong Kong route, says the official.

The airline plans to add Airbus A330Fs, also from Hainan, later this year, he adds.

Hong Kong Airlines is primarily a passenger carrier that operates Boeing 737-800s.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news