Air France will launch a third freighter between Shanghai and Paris from the winter schedule 2001, according to an official with the company.

"Such development on Shanghai-Paris route shows that Air France cargo strongly believes in China's economic potential despite current worldwide situation," said Marc Boudier, executive vice- president of Air France Cargo.

Like the other two freighters between Shanghai and Paris, the third one will be served by a Boeing 747 cargo, with the capability of 95 tons. Meanwhile Air France Cargo also operates 3 weekly passenger-cargo flights on the route.

Being the first European airline to China, Air France has started its cargo operation between the two nations since 1966. At present, the company also operates daily combined passenger and cargo flight between Beijing and Paris.

( People' s Daily 10/21/2001)