The expansion of Frankfurt-based cargo handling service provider, CHI Cargo Group, is gaining momentum. The company has just taken over the freight handling unit of Munich Airport, and has now announced that Chinese cargo airline, SF Airlines, has become its latest customer in FRA. The airline operated its first scheduled cargo flight with CHI at the beginning of July.
Currently, SF conducts three roundtrips per week between Ezhou and Frankfurt, using B747-400F equipment which is mainly loaded with e-commerce shipments on the westbound leg, destined for European end customers. The fact that CHI was ahead of its cargo handling competitors in Frankfurt in securing the contract with SF Airlines, may be explained by this statement from CEO, Kai Domscheit: “The future of logistics isn’t just about moving cargo – it’s about redefining the velocity of air cargo airport dwell times. Together [with SF Airlines], we’re building an ecosystem where speed, reliability, and adaptability aren’t competitive edges – they’re the baseline. This is the new era of air cargo logistics, engineered for what’s next.”
Chinese customer portfolio
These ambitions, emphasized by CEO Domscheit, are in line with the business philosophy of the Chinese cargo carrier, as its Vice President, Peter Huang, confirms in a statement: “SF Airlines, part of the global SF Express logistics network known for its obsession with speed and service quality, is partnering with CHI to create a new model for punctuality and service guarantees in air freight – demonstrating how collaboration can redefine logistics efficiency.”
SF Airlines is CHI’s second Chinese customer, following Sichuan Airlines which the handling agent managed to contract last year. The Chengdu-based company operates four freight flights a week between its home airport and Frankfurt, with a stopover in Helsinki on the western route, using A330 cargo aircraft. “Thanks to SF Airlines and Sichuan Airlines, we are in the process of building up a Chinese customer portfolio,” says Dominik Misskampf, Managing Director of CHI Aviation Handling GmbH.
Direct deliveries
The executive went on to say that the agent’s customer-centric approach provides innovative solutions and sets benchmarks in air cargo handling. “For instance, our Direct Delivery service eliminates 24 hours in the lead time to our customers,” Misskampf states.
By acquiring a majority stake in handling units run by airports themselves for years (NUE, MUC), CHI has significantly expanded its operational network in airline handling across Germany. It offers its customers integrated, end-to-end e-commerce solutions that include customs clearance, cargo handling, and trucking.
Full-service provider
In doing so, the agent has widened its portfolio, becoming a full-service provider. Leading global e-commerce players – including TEMU – are already being managed by CHI across major logistics hubs such as Frankfurt, Leipzig, and Cologne airport.
When asked whether his company is interested in taking over the Cologne Bonn Cargo Center, which the current operator, DNATA, will vacate at the end of 2025, his answer is as follows: “In principle, we are always ready to talk when the market offers opportunities. We will keep expanding our handling network for airlines.”
