In a significant move for China's logistics industry, JD Logistics' air cargo division has officially received its Air Operator Certificate from the East China Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, marking its formal entry into the aviation logistics market. This development signals growing interest from e-commerce giants in building proprietary transportation capabilities, potentially reshaping the air freight sector.
Strategic Expansion in Air Cargo
Established in 2019 with 600 million yuan in registered capital, JD Cargo Airlines operates from its base at Nantong Xingdong International Airport. The carrier plans to utilize Boeing 737-800 converted freighters to handle domestic and international cargo transportation, focusing on premium segments including high-end manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and perishable goods.
The launch represents the latest step in JD Logistics' multi-year strategy to develop its air network, which began in 2017. With rapid growth in express delivery and cold chain services, the company determined that existing belly capacity and chartered flights could no longer meet escalating demand, prompting the creation of its dedicated cargo airline.
Network Development Plans
JD Cargo Airlines will initially connect key economic regions including the Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, and Pearl River Delta through operations in Nantong, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Wuxi. The company aims to establish a nationwide air freight backbone network connecting major Chinese cities by late 2025.
Building on JD.com's international operations, the airline also plans to expand service to Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, and Western markets, creating an international route network centered around JD's overseas warehouses. International capacity is expected to see significant growth by 2025.
Operational Priorities
During the certification ceremony, executives emphasized the airline's commitment to supporting high-quality physical economic development through JD Logistics' infrastructure and technology. The company has developed integrated warehouse and transportation networks to improve supply chain efficiency while reducing costs.
To ensure operational safety and efficiency, JD Cargo Airlines has assembled a specialized technical team and plans ongoing workforce development. The carrier also intends to collaborate with road, ocean, and other air freight providers to foster mutual growth.
Industry Context
The pandemic-driven surge in air cargo demand has accelerated e-commerce companies' moves to develop proprietary air capacity. JD's approach mirrors successful models implemented by other global e-commerce leaders, potentially accelerating logistics innovation across the sector.
For the Yangtze River Delta region, JD Cargo Airlines' operations align with broader aviation coordination strategies to enhance regional air freight networks. Nantong's connectivity with Shanghai's international shipping hub provides particularly strong infrastructure support for these developments.
The emergence of specialized logistics airlines combined with cross-provincial hub development represents an innovative approach to aviation cooperation and growth. JD Cargo Airlines' launch not only demonstrates successful vertical integration in e-commerce logistics but also promises to elevate air cargo capabilities in Eastern China, serving as a catalyst for industry advancement.
