Challenge Group launches direct freighter links to Mumbai, Shanghai

Challenge Group will launch two new direct freighter services from Liège (LGG) to Mumbai (BOM) and Shanghai (PVG) on 2 July 2026, further expanding its global network and strengthening connectivity between Asia, Europe, the US and South America.

Operated by Boeing 777-300ERSF, the new routes represent a strategic investment in two of the world’s most important economic and logistics hubs. The expansion is aimed at enhancing Challenge Group’s end-to-end logistics capabilities and supporting customers across increasingly complex global supply chains.

The Mumbai service will strengthen the Group’s presence in India by upgrading its existing operations from three weekly Boeing 767 flights to two weekly Boeing 777-300ERSF services. The larger aircraft will provide customers with increased capacity and improved connectivity.

At the same time, the new Shanghai service will expand Challenge Group’s growing network in China. The route will complement the Group’s existing ten weekly rotations between Liège and Zhengzhou (CGO), creating additional opportunities for cargo flows between Asia, Europe, the US and South America.

Together, India and China remain key centres for global manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, industrial production and consumer markets, making them important drivers of international trade and supply chain development.

The upgraded Mumbai service will operate twice a week, while the Shanghai service will operate three times weekly. Both routes will be served by Challenge Group’s Boeing 777-300ERSF fleet, offering customers greater flexibility, enhanced connectivity and access to one of the industry’s most capable freighter aircraft.

The services are expected to support a wide range of cargo segments, including pharmaceuticals and life sciences, technology shipments, project cargo, industrial equipment, special loads and high-value commodities. Combined with Challenge Group’s road feeder services, handling capabilities and end-to-end logistics solutions, the new routes further strengthen the company’s ability to provide integrated transportation solutions across global markets.

“These new services are much more than additional flights. They represent another important step in the execution of our long-term growth strategy and our commitment to building a stronger global cargo logistics network for our customers,” said Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer of Challenge Group.

“India and China continue to play an increasingly important role in global trade, and by investing in direct connectivity to both markets, we are creating new opportunities for our customers while strengthening the links between Asia, Europe, the US and South America. As supply chains continue to evolve, customers are looking for partners capable of providing flexible, reliable and fully integrated logistics solutions. These new routes reinforce our ability to deliver exactly that, while laying the foundations for further expansion in the years ahead.”

Yossi Shoukroun, CEO of Challenge Group, said the launch of the Mumbai and Shanghai services reflects the company’s broader growth ambitions.

“We continue to invest in our network, our fleet, our people and our capabilities to ensure that we remain ahead of our customers’ future logistics needs. These routes are part of a much broader growth strategy designed to expand our global reach and strengthen our position in key markets around the world.

“While this marks an important milestone, it is only one step in our journey. We have an ambitious vision for the future, and we are already actively working on the next phase of our network development.”

According to Challenge Group, the launch of the Mumbai and Shanghai services further reinforces its commitment to connecting global markets through tailored, integrated and end-to-end logistics solutions while continuing to expand its international footprint and support the evolving needs of global trade.