Company profile
Martinair is a wholly owned cargo subsidiary of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The company was founded on 24 May 1958 as Martin's Air Charter by Martin Schroder, initially flying propeller aircraft on lease and charter work before gradually becoming a dedicated cargo airline. From 30 October 2011 Martinair stopped passenger operations to focus on pure cargo and is now part of the integrated Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) sales network. The head office is in Haarlemmermeer, the Netherlands, and the main hub is Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS). Carrier codes are IATA MP and ICAO MPH, the radio call sign is MARTINAIR, the official website is martinair.com and the single cargo entry point is afklcargo.com.
In positioning terms, Martinair is the operating carrier for the Air France-KLM group's freighters: KLM and Air France no longer operate freighters of their own, and the group's long-haul freighter capacity is flown by Martinair and sold under the AFKLMP brand. The structure means that when a Chinese shipper books group freighter capacity the actual carrier is Martinair, with aircraft paint and flight operations handled by Martinair crews and ground staff. The fleet is 4 Boeing 747-400 series freighters: 3 are 747-400ERF in KLM blue livery and 1 is a 747-400BCF converted freighter in Martinair red and white livery. None of the 4 has yet been retired.
On China business, the freighters Martinair operates under the MP code currently fly only to Hong Kong: the Amsterdam to Hong Kong route calls at Dubai (DWC) as flight MP9421 and resumed on 19 September 2024. On the mainland, Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital and Guangzhou are not served by MP-coded freighters, so there is no publicly listed active mainland China freighter point; belly capacity to mainland China and Hong Kong is carried by the KLM and Air France passenger networks, with cargo sales handled through AFKLMP Cargo and the KLM China network. Cargo originating in Hong Kong can connect at AMS to all of Europe and onward to North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa.
In terms of two-way flows, the outbound direction is dominated by electronic information products, consumer electronics, textiles and apparel, e-commerce parcels and high value-added industrial goods exported from Hong Kong and southern China; the return direction is dominated by European pharmaceutical products, machinery, aircraft structures, high-end consumer goods and special cargo. Martinair has long operated special cargo, live animals and aircraft structure transport, with experience of outsize, overweight and sensitive shipments. Capacity and loading conditions at each gateway are subject to carrier confirmation on the day of booking.
On fleet renewal, the group ordered 4 Airbus A350F next-generation freighters in 2023, due for delivery in 2027 and 2028 to replace the current Boeing 747-400F series. The new type will improve fuel efficiency and payload performance, and in the 2026 summer season AFKLMP also added a freighter route from Amsterdam to Seoul (ICN), extending the Asia-Pacific freighter network. Chinese shippers planning over the medium term can watch the connection opportunities created by the fleet renewal and Asia-Pacific expansion; specific new points and times are subject to carrier announcements.
International air services connecting from China
Martinair's freighter service to China uses Hong Kong as the only MP-coded point, with distribution from the Amsterdam Schiphol hub in several directions. Towards Europe, cargo is distributed from AMS to major European cities and industrial regions; towards North America, Schiphol connects transatlantic and transpacific points such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago; towards South America, the group network covers the main cargo gateways; towards the Middle East, the Hong Kong route itself calls at Dubai (DWC) and connects to Gulf markets; towards Africa, AMS connects the main West, East and North African points. No MP-coded freighters serve mainland China, so shippers can send cargo in KLM belly space and connect at AMS to the Martinair freighter network.
Looking at export cargo from China, electronic information products, consumer electronics, e-commerce parcels and high value-added industrial goods from Hong Kong and southern China suit volume uplift on MP9421 freighter capacity; outsize pieces, overweight pieces, aircraft structures and special cargo can use the nose-loading advantage of the 747 freighter; time-critical pharmaceutical, perishable and high-value shipments can use AFKLMP Pharma temperature-controlled products and priority capacity. On the return leg, European machinery, aircraft structures, pharmaceuticals and high-end consumer goods suit freighter capacity, with temperature-controlled categories handled under cold-chain procedures. Specific payload and capacity are subject to carrier confirmation on the day of booking.
On gateway choice, shippers in southern China and Hong Kong can use the Hong Kong MP-coded freighter capacity directly; shippers in the Yangtze River Delta and northern China can send cargo in KLM belly space from Shanghai Pudong and Beijing Capital and connect at AMS to the Martinair freighter network; steady industrial volumes can lock capacity in advance on a weekly frequency, and outsize or irregular pieces need loading conditions declared at the booking stage. With AMS as a single European hub, transit procedures and customs distribution standards are consistent, and in peak season the group's Air France hub at Paris CDG can serve as a backup.
| Connection direction | Main destinations | What it means for Chinese shippers |
|---|---|---|
| European hub deconsolidation and distribution | Amsterdam AMS, extending to major European cities and industrial regions | Hong Kong cargo moves on one waybill to the European gateway and connects to major European cities |
| Transatlantic extension | North American points such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, and South American gateways | Connects to the Americas through the European hub, suited to multi-leg intercontinental movement |
| Middle East and Africa | The Hong Kong route calls at Dubai DWC and connects to African points via AMS | Covers Gulf and African markets, matching the structure of Chinese export trade |
| Backhaul cargo | European machinery, aircraft structures, pharmaceuticals and high-end consumer goods | Two-way capacity matching that improves overall cost efficiency |
The table summarises the main directions from public sources. Times are local. Actual schedules vary with the season and are subject to carrier confirmation on the day of booking.
Hong Kong to Amsterdam freighter route diagram
The diagram shows, from a Eurasia perspective, the MP-coded freighter route from Hong Kong via Dubai to Amsterdam Schiphol and onward distribution worldwide. The orange band is the Hong Kong to Amsterdam trunk route via Dubai and the blue arcs are European and transoceanic distribution directions; actual points and schedules are subject to carrier confirmation on the day.
Freight advantages for Chinese shippers
The actual freighter operator
Martinair is the operating carrier for the Air France-KLM group's freighters, so volume and heavy cargo from Hong Kong flies directly on MP-coded aircraft, with transparent and controllable capacity and aircraft type information.
Nose-loading for oversize pieces
The 747 freighter has a hinged nose that opens, accommodating extra-long, overweight and irregular cargo; aircraft structures, machinery and out-of-gauge pieces can be loaded in one go without splitting.
Schiphol as the European gateway
With Amsterdam Schiphol as the hub, customs and distribution processes are mature, and Hong Kong cargo can connect quickly through AMS to Europe, North America, South America and Africa.
Special cargo experience
Martinair has long operated special cargo, live animals and aircraft structure transport, with mature procedures and support capability for outsize, sensitive and live shipments.
Integrated AFKLMP sales
Cargo is sold under the unified AFKLMP brand, so Chinese shippers can book through the KLM China network and local agents, combining belly and freighter capacity flexibly, with the two hubs backing each other up in peak season.
Fleet renewal ahead
4 Airbus A350F are on order, due to replace the current 747 freighters in 2027 and 2028, with the Asia-Pacific network expanding at the same time; capacity and efficiency will keep improving over the medium term.
Taken together, these strengths form the full case for a Chinese shipper choosing Martinair freighters: MP-coded aircraft fly the Hong Kong route directly, the opening nose accommodates outsize cargo, the Schiphol hub supports global distribution, special cargo experience covers sensitive and live shipments, and integrated AFKLMP sales offer a flexible mix of belly and freighter capacity. Chinese shippers can choose the best capacity and product mix for their cargo and destination market after assessment by our team.
Aircraft types and capacity mix
The Martinair fleet is 4 Boeing 747-400 series freighters, the core of the group's long-haul freighter capacity: 3 Boeing 747-400ERF (registrations PH-CKA, PH-CKB and PH-CKC) in KLM blue livery and 1 Boeing 747-400BCF converted freighter (registration PH-MPS) in Martinair red and white livery. None of the 4 has been retired, and the Hong Kong to Amsterdam route via Dubai is flown by this series. The opening nose lets the 747 freighter carry extra-long and irregular cargo, and long-haul intercontinental operation is well established. 4 Airbus A350F next-generation freighters are on order, due for delivery and replacement in 2027 and 2028.
On loading, the 747 freighter main deck is configured by unit load device or loose hold, and the opening nose takes over-height and extra-long cargo; individual piece weight and volume are constrained by cargo door dimensions and floor load limits, and overweight or irregular pieces must be declared in advance. Chinese shippers who provide accurate piece, weight and dimension information and cargo photographs at the booking stage markedly improve the certainty of the loading plan. Unit load device types are matched to the route, aircraft type and destination terminal equipment, and the specific loading plan is confirmed by our team and the carrier according to the capacity situation on the day.
Boeing 747-400ERF
3 extended-range freighters, the mainstay of the Martinair fleet, flying long intercontinental sectors such as Hong Kong via Dubai to Amsterdam, with the opening nose suited to extra-long cargo.
Boeing 747-400BCF
1 converted freighter that keeps the traditional Martinair red and white livery and, with the 3 ERF aircraft, makes up the group freighter fleet; loading characteristics match the ERF.
Airbus A350F (on order)
The group's next-generation freighter order, 4 aircraft in total, due to replace the current 747-400F series gradually; fuel efficiency and payload performance will improve further. Specific route deployment is subject to carrier announcements.
Passenger belly space (KLM / Air France)
There are no MP-coded freighters to mainland China, so day-to-day shipments rely on KLM and Air France belly space, connecting at AMS to the Martinair freighter network.
Aircraft capacity figures are compiled from manufacturers' and airlines' public data. Actual payload is subject to carrier confirmation on the day of booking.
Airports served in China and schedule connections
The freighters Martinair operates under the MP code currently serve only Hong Kong, and there is no MP-coded freighter point in mainland China, so day-to-day shipments rely on KLM belly space. The table below is a reference for connections at major Chinese gateways. Times are local; schedules change with the season and are subject to carrier confirmation on the day of booking.
| China origin ports | Connecting hub | Capacity type | Indicative schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong HKG | Amsterdam AMS, via Dubai DWC | MP-coded freighter | MP9421, resumed on 19 September 2024; times are local, schedules change with the season and are subject to carrier confirmation on the day of booking. |
| Shanghai Pudong PVG | Amsterdam AMS | KLM passenger belly capacity (transit connection) | Close to daily operation, connecting at AMS to the Martinair freighter network; actual schedule subject to carrier confirmation. |
| Beijing Capital PEK | Amsterdam AMS | KLM passenger belly capacity (transit connection) | About 6 times a week, connecting at AMS to the Martinair freighter network; actual schedule subject to carrier confirmation. |
| Guangzhou CAN / Shenzhen SZX | Transit via HKG, PVG or AMS | Belly hold / transit connections | No public schedule is available for MP-coded freighters; shipment through Hong Kong or a hub gateway is recommended. |
The airline has no publicly listed own cargo office in China; cargo sales run through AFKLMP Cargo and the KLM China network, and specific capacity and connections are subject to confirmation by our team on the day of booking.
Cargo booking and connection path in China
Submit shipping instructions
The shipper gives us the origin gateway (Hong Kong or a belly connection), the destination city in Europe or the Americas, the commodity, piece weight and dimensions and whether the cargo is out-of-gauge; on that basis we choose between MP freighter and belly connection.
Confirm space and rate
We book MP freighter or belly capacity through the AFKLMP China sales network or its local cargo agent, confirming the freight rate, unit load device type and loading conditions for outsize cargo.
Departure and transit connections
After acceptance in Hong Kong or at a Chinese gateway, cargo transits Dubai and AMS and is distributed to destination points in Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa according to the connection plan.
Backhaul booking
European machinery, aircraft structures, pharmaceuticals and high-end consumer goods can be booked on the return leg through the same Schiphol channel to Hong Kong or Chinese gateways, with temperature-controlled and special cargo handled under the relevant procedures.
During booking, overweight or outsize pieces, aircraft structures, live animals and sensitive cargo must be declared at the booking stage so that we can confirm nose-loading conditions on the 747 freighter and the unit load device type required. Flight times are local; schedules change with the season and are subject to carrier confirmation on the day of booking. Before booking we give the shipper a list of rates, capacity and loading conditions, and once these are confirmed we complete the booking and uplift arrangements. Urgent cargo can be submitted for priority capacity, subject to carrier approval.
Specialist freight services from China
Special cargo and outsize pieces.Martinair has long operated special cargo, and the opening nose of the 747 freighter can carry aircraft structures, machinery and extra-long irregular items, suited to Chinese exports of large machinery and electrical products and engineering project equipment.
Live animal transport.The company has live animal transport capability with dedicated capacity and procedures, suited to live shipments such as breeding stock, pets and laboratory animals moving into or out of China, which must be declared in advance and handled to the carrier's live animal rules.
Aircraft structure transport.Drawing on air cargo expertise, Martinair carries aircraft parts and structures, suited to imports and exports of high-value sensitive components by Chinese aerospace manufacturers and MRO providers.
Pharmaceutical cold chain and temperature control.Cargo is sold under the AFKLMP Pharma product line with temperature-controlled containers, temperature recording and monitoring throughout, suited to Chinese biopharmaceutical companies moving vaccines, reagents and active pharmaceutical ingredients into and out of the region, with the cold chain handled within defined temperature ranges.
High-value and sensitive cargo.The Schiphol cargo terminal has dedicated security procedures for high-value cargo; Chinese shippers can request priority capacity and value protection for high-value exports as needed, and sensitive cargo is declared to carrier rules.
Transoceanic network extension.Through the AMS hub, Hong Kong cargo connects to North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa, suited to multi-leg intercontinental movement and global supply chain layouts, with the connection completed in one step.
Dangerous goods and lithium battery declarations.Exports involving dangerous goods, lithium batteries or magnetic cargo must be declared in advance against freighter limits, with us and the carrier jointly confirming loadability and packing requirements.
Consolidation in Hong Kong and uplift from southern China.Cargo from the Pearl River Delta and southern China can be consolidated to Hong Kong by domestic leg and shipped on MP-coded freighters; steady industrial volumes can lock capacity in advance on a weekly frequency to match the southern China export cycle.
Peak-season capacity and return-leg balance.Intercontinental freighter capacity fluctuates seasonally in the export peak and at quarter end, so Chinese shippers can lock capacity weekly in advance and use European return machinery and high-value cargo to balance two-way flows, reducing the cost swings caused by empty capacity.
China contact
Martinair has no publicly listed own cargo office in China; cargo sales run through Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) and the KLM China network, and Chinese shippers can ask about capacity at the KLM China offices in Beijing and Shanghai (klm.com.cn) and through local cargo agents. The airline website is martinair.com and the single cargo entry point is afklcargo.com, where shipment status and flight information can be checked.
Our company, Goodhope Logistics (China) Limited, website https://goodhope86.com, handles freighter and belly air freight from Hong Kong and southern China to Amsterdam and the markets of Europe and the Americas, providing booking at the Hong Kong gateway, connections at Dubai and Amsterdam, European distribution and return-leg consolidation, and can help Chinese shippers reach the AFKLMP sales channel for the latest capacity and schedule information.