Korean Air records double-digit Penang cargo growth

KUALA LUMPUR: Korean Air Lines Co Ltd recorded double-digit growth in export cargo volume from Penang in the first half of 2026 driven by demand for high-value semiconductor and electronics shipments bound for South Korea and the Americas.

Korean Air regional manager for Malaysia, Brunei and Bangladesh Kang Sang Bum said cargo demand from Penang continue to increase.

"(In) Penang, cargo (shipment) is increasing and that's why we put more cargo flights to Penang," he said in an interview with Business Times recently.

Kang added that Korean Air's freighter services from Malaysia are connected to its wider cargo network, allowing shipments to continue to other markets instead of flying only between Malaysia and South Korea.

Korean Air's cargo division, Korean Air Cargo operates six weekly freighter frequencies from Penang using Boeing B747-400F and B777F aircraft across four dedicated route loops.

A route loop is a planned cargo service that stops at several cities along the way, instead of flying between two airports.

Korean Air also operates two weekly dedicated freighter services from Kuala Lumpur, supported by belly-hold capacity on its daily passenger flights between Kuala Lumpur and Seoul Incheon.

Export cargo from Kuala Lumpur recorded steady year-on-year growth in the first half of 2026, comprising electrical and electronic goods, aerospace parts and industrial materials.

Korean Air said in a statement that it is carrying out facility and automation upgrades at its cargo terminal at Incheon Cargo Terminal to ensure handling efficiency for time-sensitive shipments.

The upgrades are targeted for completion in the second half of 2026.

Korean Air operates a freighter network covering 45 cities in 26 countries. Its fleet includes 23 dedicated freighters, comprising B777F and B747-8F aircraft.