The moves, according to Jorg Schumacher, managing director of Frankfurt-Hahn, are a benefit of the night-flight ban imposed at its larger neighbor, Frankfurt-Main.

Shanghai-based Yangtze River Express started operating through Hahn with a B747-400F service to Beijing, which it plans to increase to three times a week. Navitrans initiated a weekly service linking New York, via Hahn, with Chengdu, using B747-400F equipment operated by Evergreen International Airlines.

Representatives for MyCargo said they will use Frankfurt-Hahn to operate both scheduled and charter services. NCA left Frankfurt-Main a few years ago, but has chosen to re-enter the German market by way of Hahn, reasoning that a night schedule will provide it with a more competitive edge over its rivals.

Rather than competing with Frankfurt-Main, Schumacher said Hahn can play a complementary role. He points to Aeroflot and Etihad Airways, both of which have located their freighter operations at Hahn, while continuing to serve Frankfurt-Main with passenger flights.

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