In the article, Froson said, "We are working on it. We are talking with local branches of the aviation authorities in China about any additional requirements. One of the questions is to what extent the airline would have to have Chinese pilots?--there is a significant shortage in China. And there are other technical issues.”

Although the carrier may be technically ready to launch earlier in 2019, Forson said, “I don’t want to start in a low season, I’d rather launch in a peak. There will be a testing phase and then we’ll ramp it up.”

The carrier, formerly known as Cargolux China, was established in 2017 with the Luxembourg carrier holding a 25% stake. Cargolux itself is 35%-owned by HNCA.