In a significant development for global trade, Ningbo Lishe International Airport has resumed its transcontinental cargo route to New York with a landmark flight carrying over 100 tons of goods. The Boeing 747 freighter operated by Atlas Air departed for John F. Kennedy International Airport this week, marking the official restart of this critical trade link between China and the United States.
The newly reinstated route—scheduled for three weekly flights —primarily transports e-commerce merchandise and electronic components, with a maximum payload capacity exceeding 100 metric tons per flight. This revival comes as a direct response to previous route suspensions due to operational costs, now strategically addressed to strengthen Ningbo's position in international logistics networks.
Ningbo's Growing Cargo Ambitions
While not yet matching the throughput of China's mega-hubs like Shanghai Pudong or Guangzhou Baiyun, Ningbo Airport has demonstrated consistent growth in cargo operations. Weekly flight data reveals dynamic progress : during the 23rd week of 2025, the airport handled 63 cargo flights (ranking 24th nationally), while earlier in the 13th week, it surged to 98 flights (17th place)—highlighting both volatility and untapped potential.
The airport first surpassed the 100,000-ton annual cargo milestone in 2016, with recent figures showing remarkable acceleration. January 2024 statistics recorded 7,947.9 metric tons of airfreight imports/exports—a striking 40.6% year-over-year increase that outpaces national averages.
Strategic Expansion Ahead
Ningbo's geographical advantages and specialized route network compensate for its mid-tier capacity. The airport plans to further enhance its competitiveness with additional routes, including a direct Miami freighter service slated for 2025 . These developments position Ningbo as an increasingly vital node in trans-Pacific supply chains, particularly for time-sensitive e-commerce shipments driving modern trade flows.
Industry analysts note the resumed New York route not only improves logistics efficiency between the world's two largest economies but also signals China's broader strategy to diversify its air cargo infrastructure beyond traditional coastal hubs.