Challenge Group, a Malta-registered airline, has expanded its fleet with the addition of a Boeing 747-400 freighter to its operations.
The group stated that it aims to use the new aircraft for key trade routes, improving the connectivity between Europe and Asia.
In total, with the latest acquisition, the airline currently has in its possession five 747-400 freighters and in addition, it has a full fleet of four B767 converted freighters expected to have taken delivery and be fully operational by 2024’s third quarter.
Group Commercial Officer Or Zak stated that the new 747 is an ideal choice for transporting commodities such as “heavy and oversize, horses, pharma, aircraft engines, dangerous goods, cars and other complex verticals [that] will enhance our capacity and flexibility, allowing us to tap into new markets as well.”
Challenge Group is an international air cargo conglomeration that offers tailored air freight industry solutions form handling air and ground logistics, to aviation services, for a number of industries and commodities.
The group operates three airlines, Challenge Airlines IL in Israel, Challenge Airlines BE in Belgium and Challenge Airlines MT.
The Malta-based airline had received its air operator’s certificate (AOC) at the end of 2022 and is scheduled to operate regular flights between Liège, Tel Aviv (TLV), Sharjah (SHJ), New York (JFK) and Mumbai (BOM).
Additionally, the group has a commercial division (Challenge Air Cargo) in Malta, a ground handling company and a European road feeder provider in Liege Belgium, an aircraft and parts leasing division (Challenge Aviation), and a comprehensive line maintenance provider (Challenge Technic).
