News / ATSG delays take-off of Chinese express cargo carrier, but snaps up a fleet of 767s

Plans to launch a joint-venture Chinese express cargo airline have been delayed until next year, according to ATSG.

The US company, which is establishing the airline together with Okay Airlines and discount retailer Vipshop Holdings, told investors in its first-quarter earnings call that approvals would take longer than anticipated.

“A launch date [for United Star Express Airlines] still depends on government approvals and will likely not occur until early 2017,” said Joe Hete, CEO.

He said: “The first tranche of aircraft will be 737s. ...