The air freight corridor between Zhengzhou, China and Luxembourg has become a vital global logistics channel since its launch in 2014. Latest statistics show the route has transported over 1.2 million tons of cargo to date, propelling Luxembourg Cargo Airlines from 9th to 5th place in global freight rankings.
This transformation stems from Henan Province's strategic 2014 acquisition of a 35% stake in Luxembourg Cargo Airlines, establishing a dual-hub model with Zhengzhou as the Asia-Pacific logistics center and Luxembourg as the European counterpart.
Expanding Global Network
The partnership has developed an extensive international network, with Luxembourg Cargo Airlines operating nine intercontinental routes from Zhengzhou. Connectivity has expanded from two initial destinations to fourteen, while weekly flights increased from two to eighteen. The current network spans 24 countries and over 200 cities across Europe, America, and Asia.
"The Zhengzhou-Luxembourg route isn't just moving cargo—it's reshaping global trade patterns," said an aviation industry analyst. "This represents the Belt and Road Initiative's most successful aviation logistics project to date."
Zhengzhou's Aviation Ascent
Zhengzhou Airport has emerged as China's fifth-largest international air cargo hub, trailing only Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. With annual handling capacity reaching 1.1 million tons, it consistently ranks among the world's top 40 cargo airports.
The collaboration has now expanded beyond freight into finance, trade, and cultural exchanges. December 2023 marked a new milestone with the launch of direct passenger flights between the two cities.
Sustainable Aviation Financing
Henan Aviation Investment Company plans to issue a landmark three-year RMB-denominated green bond in Luxembourg—the first by a Chinese enterprise in Europe specifically supporting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) development. This move aligns with global decarbonization efforts in aviation.
Recent developments show Zhengzhou Airport now hosts 25 cargo airlines operating 49 freight routes to 56 cities in 25 countries. Notably, seven of the world's top ten cargo carriers have established operations there, cementing its status as a premier global logistics hub.
The Zhengzhou-Luxembourg route has evolved from a cargo channel into a comprehensive trade bridge, demonstrating the Belt and Road Initiative's successful adaptation to modern aviation logistics demands while fostering deeper China-Europe economic integration.