How United moves cargo from Asia Pacific, explains Hazel Ip of United Airlines

United Airlines sees Southeast Asia as a long-term growth market. In this conversation, Hazel Ip, Director, Cargo Sales – APAC at United Airlines, explains how the airline has been preparing for a shift in trade flows for more than a decade. “We have long positioned ourselves in these markets, even though we are not online over there,” she says, adding that the airline began adjusting its strategy around the time “the first tariff impact” hit China and the U.S. in 2018.

Hazel explains to Libin Chacko Kurian how demand patterns vary across the region. Electronics dominate Bangkok and Hanoi, while apparel drives volumes out of Saigon. Singapore remains an important hub, even with payload limits, and interline partnerships help move cargo across Japan, Oceania, and the United States. She notes strong consolidation opportunities and steady customer demand from key markets.

United’s biggest shift is its expanding use of freighter capacity, even though it does not operate its own freighters. Hazel reveals that the airline chartered capacity to Guam. From Guam, cargo connects to Honolulu and the wider U.S. network, which added 200 tonnes of weekly lift for origins like Bangkok and Saigon.

She says the flexibility of chartered freighters is a major advantage. United can reposition capacity quickly to support project cargo or sudden demand surges. “We have the flexibility also to move it to other markets,” she explains. This agility is essential in a region affected by geopolitical tension, weather disruptions, and shifting trade policies.

Hazel also discusses commodities, noting that United carries lithium batteries, apparel, perishables, and temperature-controlled goods “as long as the documentation work” and they meet IATA rules. Different markets produce different commodity mixes, and United adapts its handling and routing accordingly.

When asked about yields, she offers a clear insight. “Relatively speaking, it is higher… we see the yield can be about $5,” referring to Southeast Asia compared to China and Hong Kong.

She also shares updates from Hong Kong and Japan. United focuses on general cargo in Hong Kong rather than e-commerce, which helps stabilise revenues even after changes to de minimis rules. Japan remains steady despite currency fluctuations, supported by transit cargo that strengthens market performance.

Looking ahead, Hazel says United continues to explore ways to expand capacity and presence in markets like Indonesia through interline partners. But she is clear when asked whether United will ever fly its own freighters: “United may not fly our own freighter.” Instead, the airline will continue to scale its 757 charter program for routes within a 4–5-hour radius whenever needed.

She concludes with a strong outlook. United’s growth targets do not have a finish line. “We will definitely grow… unlimited growth that we are looking for.”