Vietnam will become an air freight hub in Asia

If the IPPG meets the regulatory requirements, IPP Air Cargo is expected to operate its first commercial flight in early August this year.

At the seminar "Improving the competitiveness of logistics service providers" recently held, Mr. Lars Winkerbauer, senior advisor to IPP Air Cargo, shared his experience in developing the air freight market in Vietnam in the new situation.

Winkerbauer has more than 20 years of experience in air freight and courier logistics. He has also served on the board of directors of Blue Dart, Polar Air Cargo (DHL's Joint Venture) and other specialized shipping companies.

He spoke about the opportunities in Vietnam to build a fully integrated and efficient logistics ecosystem, powering Vietnam's domestic and international trade.

Winkerbauer said when he first heard about IPPG Chairman Johnathan Hanh Nguyen's vision of expanding Vietnam's air freight market, creating the first air cargo airline of the whole country, connecting domestic and international markets, he was excited as such a vision proved to be successful and highly beneficial in other countries, such as Singapore, where goods flow continuously to the final consumer with a fast time and competitive price.

"Building a professional air transport ecosystem for a developed import-export market like in Vietnam will help develop transportation infrastructure, facilitate the movement of goods and increase foreign direct investment entry into Vietnam, benefiting consumers by reducing transportation costs and increasing quality,” Winkerbauer said.

Lars Winkerbauer spoke at the Conference "Improving the competitiveness of logistics service providers"

Lars Winkerbauer also said that he believes in and sees great opportunities in Vietnam. So, he decided to join the IPPG as a senior advisor, building the cargo airline IPP Air Cargo.

"Building such an integrated transport system takes time and requires support from all levels of government, including customs and many other agencies. So it is not easy but not impossible as seen in other countries," Winkerbauer said.

According to Winkerbauer, IPP Air Cargo will be Vietnam's first cargo airline that will provide airport-to-airport freight services, connecting the domestic and international markets with reliability. All are directed towards one goal which is the integration and growth of air freight between Vietnam and the world.

After Long Thanh airport is completed, if it invests in a professional warehousing system and creates favorable conditions for professional air cargo airlines to develop, Vietnam can become a center for air freight in Asia.

A complete focus on freight will allow IPP Air Cargo to provide services for special, valuable cargo only transported by air as demand grows rapidly in Vietnam. Cargo aircraft and air transport will be the place to solve all problems for e-business companies, competing to bring goods to consumers quickly in accordance with the most committed.

Winkerbauer added, that immediately after obtaining the license, the initial fleet of IPP Air Cargo will include four Boeing 737-800BCF aircraft delivered in August of this year, and the next transactions in December, then in February next year. He also said that if the IPPG can meet all the regulatory requirements, then IPP Air Cargo is expected to operate its first commercial flight in early August this year.