YZ 744F

Yangtze Cargo was founded in 1998 as a joint venture between Yangtze Airlines and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, or SAIC. Initially, Yangtze Cargo utilized exclusively the cargo hold on Yangtze Airlines aircraft, but later started operating their own MD-11 converted freighters, all retired Yangtze jets. Yangtze Cargo used the IATA code YK, ICAO code YZK, and callsign CARGO QUEEN. In 2003, Yangtze Group purchased a 33% stake in PNLogistics, the failing cargo branch of Pacific National. This investment saved the American cargo airline from bankruptcy. Still, the American government and people alike weren't too thrilled about a Chinese state-owned airline now having a majority stake in an iconic American brand. The airline was hoping to take advantage of PNLogstics' already developed North American network and infrastructure to help build Yangtze Cargo's international market. In 2012, as part of the corporate rebrand, Yangtze Cargo was rebranded to Yangtze International Cargo, and placed an order for 8 Boeing 777F jets to replace MD-11 converted freighters that had previously made up the entirety of Yangtze Cargo's fleet. They also revealed a bold new plan to establish a new American hub in Seattle, using a fleet of 5 Boeing 747-400F jets operated by PNLogistics. These jets are painted in the new Yangtze International Cargo livery, but have Pacific National's iconic buffalo logo on their wingtips, and use the PACLOG callsign. Needless to say, in the current political climate, Yangtze's investment in PNLogistics is not a popular one, and politicians from both sides have tried to end the relationship given Yangtze's government ties and Pacific National's controversial political stance. But as of today, PNLogistics' 747s still proudly wears the Yangtze livery.

Aircraft Pictured:
N424PN, PNLogistics Boeing 747-400(F). Delivered to PNLogistics in 2008, operated for Yangtze International Cargo in Yangtze livery 2012-present, "COVID-19 Don't Miss Your Shot" sticker 2020-present.