As the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected, the question of how to establish the most efficient cargo transfer channels has become paramount. Qingdao Airport, a vital aviation logistics hub in northern China, is actively exploring solutions to this challenge. Through strategic resource integration and the development of a scientific transit network, the airport has demonstrated remarkable achievements in cargo transfer operations.
This year, with support from the Municipal Port Office and customs authorities, Qingdao Airport has coordinated international and domestic flight resources to advance its cargo transfer business. The effort has gradually established an efficient "air-to-air transfer" freight system characterized by rapid connectivity. By July, the airport's international-to-domestic and domestic-to-international cargo throughput exceeded 1,200 metric tons—an 81% increase compared to the same period last year.
Building a Comprehensive Route Network
The foundation of Qingdao Airport's transfer system lies in its robust route network development. Domestically, the airport leverages its strategic position connecting northern and southern China while facilitating east-west transportation. By enhancing cooperation with other hub airports and reducing transfer times between flights, Qingdao Airport handled 92,100 tons of domestic cargo in July alone—a 29.34% year-on-year increase. This rapid growth underscores the airport's emerging leadership in the aviation logistics market.
Internationally, Qingdao Airport continues to optimize its route structure, now covering destinations across Northeast Asia, Europe, North America, and countries along the Belt and Road initiative. Utilizing both dedicated cargo aircraft and passenger flight belly capacity, the airport has established seamless connections with major global economic hubs. Statistics show the airport's international cargo throughput reached 68,300 tons by July, marking a 2.1% increase.
Developing Efficient Transfer Solutions
Through extensive research into the air cargo needs of leading logistics and manufacturing companies, Qingdao Airport has extended its service chain to identify suitable freight sources. The airport has deepened partnerships with major carriers including Shandong Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines to promote international air transfer products.
These efforts have attracted high time-sensitivity shipments such as Korean express deliveries, Thai tree-ripened durians, Yunnan flowers, and live crabs. Key international transfer routes including "Domestic cities-Qingdao-Seoul/Osaka/Melbourne" and "Hong Kong/Osaka/Incheon-Qingdao-Domestic cities" have achieved regular operations, steadily enhancing Qingdao Airport's influence in international transfer logistics.
Enhancing Customs Transfer Efficiency
Customs transfer efficiency serves as a direct indicator of business environment quality and significantly impacts international transfer operations. To improve service standards, Qingdao Airport has strengthened collaboration with customs authorities to expedite the transfer of high-value and time-sensitive goods while establishing stable coordination mechanisms.
The airport now offers customized customs transfer solutions tailored to different cargo types, significantly reducing transfer times and improving operational efficiency. As a critical component of global logistics systems, air-to-air transfer services have demonstrably reduced logistics costs while elevating the airport's hub capabilities.
Looking ahead, Qingdao Airport plans to further optimize cargo transfer efficiency, strengthen cooperation with other hub airports, and develop major freight corridors connecting China's key cities with global logistics centers. These initiatives aim to accelerate the airport's transformation into northern China's premier air logistics transfer center.
