Teleport, the logistics venture of Capital A Berhad (formerly AirAsia Group Berhad), is making waves in the industry with its innovative approach to air logistics and is now the proud operator of the first black Airbus A321F freighter plane in Southeast Asia.
Established in 2018, Teleport has transformed AirAsia airliners’ unused passenger flight belly capacity into a comprehensive network, creating a seamless and efficient system for transporting goods.
On 12 July 2023, AvGeekPH was among those who witnessed the unveiling of Teleport’s very first Airbus A321F aircraft (named “Awan” with tail number 9M-TLA) at the Sepang Aircraft Engineering Sdn Bhd facility in Malaysia. No less than the King of Malaysia, l-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billa graced the event.
The Airbus A321F is a versatile freighter aircraft, known for its exceptional payload capacity and fuel efficiency. Teleport’s decision to lease these aircraft is driven by the highly competitive nature of the aircraft leasing market and the volatile interest rates prevailing in the industry.
The logistics company has entered into a seven-year leasing agreement with AirAsia (the airline), whereas the funding for the lease will be provided by Teleport itself, reflecting its commitment to investing in its own growth and maintaining control over its operations.
Teleport’s decision to lease the aircraft is driven by several factors, including the highly competitive nature of the aircraft leasing market. The company recognizes the need to secure reliable transportation options amidst unstable interest rates. By leasing the aircraft, the logistics company can maintain greater flexibility and adaptability in managing its fleet, mitigating risks associated with ownership and operational costs.
The addition of two (02) more A321F aircraft deliveries later this year is expected to bolster the logistics firm’s operations. The strategic move comes as part of an ambitious plan to expand its fleet to a total of ten (10) A321F aircraft expected to be in service within the next 18 months.
The company’s operational model revolves around multiple hubs, allowing it to achieve an impressive 80% coverage of Southeast Asia. This extensive coverage enables Teleport to serve three key customer segments with unparalleled efficiency: global freight forwarders, eCommerce marketplaces, and consumers. By optimizing each air logistics journey to meet specific customer requirements, Teleport combines the strengths of its freighter and belly network to deliver enhanced flexibility and agility when moving shipments between Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific region.
As Teleport continues to disrupt the logistics landscape in Southeast Asia, it is clear that the company’s innovative approach and expansive network have set a new benchmark in the industry. With a focus on meeting customer needs and providing efficient solutions, the company is well-positioned to shape the future of air logistics in the region.
The Philippines is Teleport’s Number 1 Route in Southeast Asia
Teleport has emerged as a leading air logistics provider with a clear mission: to surpass all others in moving goods across Southeast Asia. Boasting the largest air logistics network in the region, Teleport covers an impressive 80 destinations within Southeast Asia and serves a staggering 160 cities across the Asia Pacific region. What sets Teleport apart is its ability to offer customers a remarkable 1 million ways to move shipments with just a single booking or airway bill.
“The Philippines is where we see Teleport as a very big operation. AirAsia Philippines is doing most of Teleport’s work right now through the belly space and they are working with other airlines. But in the not-too-distant-future, the ten aircraft that we are talking about, some will be destined in the Philippines,” according to Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A Berhad during a press conference held right after the unveiling of the company’s A321F aircraft.
By expanding its fleet, Teleport aims to strengthen its logistics network, enhance its delivery capabilities, and better serve its growing customer base. The Airbus A321F’s larger cargo capacity and extended range will enable Teleport to offer improved services, including faster and more efficient delivery options, to its clients across the Asia-Pacific region.
The addition of the A321F aircraft to Teleport’s fleet demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. With an expanded fleet, the logistics company aims to continue revolutionizing the logistics industry, offering fast, reliable, and cost-effective delivery solutions across the Asia-Pacific region.
“Our number one route by volume in the whole region is in the Philippines — Davao to Manila. The Philippines is very important (to Teleport),” said Pete Chareonwongsak, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Teleport when asked about the impact of the new plane on their operations in the country.
The esteemed clientele of Teleport includes the top 15 global freight forwarders, as well as three (03) of Southeast Asia’s largest marketplaces: Shopee, Lazada, and Zalora. As part of its commitment to providing exceptional service to consumers, the company has recently unveiled its latest offering, Teleport Pink. This revolutionary product aims to transform regional express dispatch by providing next-day delivery from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Singapore at a fixed and affordable fee. With Teleport Pink, customers can enjoy the convenience of fast and reliable delivery, further solidifying Teleport’s position as a leader in the logistics industry.
Teleport’s A321F Quick Specs
Teleport’s Airbus A321F aircraft features a total of 24 containerized positions, divided between the main and lower decks. The main deck can accommodate 14 Unit Load Devices (ULDs), while the lower deck can hold up to 10 ULDs. This configuration allows the aircraft to transport a maximum payload of 27 tons or 27,000 kilograms of diverse cargo, ranging from eCommerce and express/small parcels to large-volume cargo and dangerous goods.
| How far can the A321F go? | • 2,200 nautical miles (4,074 kilometers) • 5 hour-range within Asia Pacific (from Kuala Lumpur hub) • can fly in/out of any destination covered by AirAsia’s 6 airlines across Southeast Asia. |
| What fits in the A321F? (theoretically) | • 540 50kg boxes of seafood • 2,000 cats in kennels • 10,000 durians • 45,000 iPhones • 100,000 vaccine vials |
| Maximum Cargo Payload | 27 tons (subject to operational, weather and navigational conditions) |
| Maximum Cargo Volume | 27 tons (subject to operational, weather, and navigational conditions) |
| Unique Network Advantage | • Teleport’s A321F will operate from Kuala Lumpur, with the flexibility to base in Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila. • 1 million ways to move shipment with 1 air waybill/booking. • Largest multi-hub air logistics network with 80% coverage in Southeast Asia. • Access 80+ destinations in Southeast Asia and 160 destinations in the Asia Pacific. |