Comet Airlines, a specialized cargo carrier, is significantly expanding its presence in Xi'an by launching four new direct freight routes to Europe from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. This strategic move enhances the city's air cargo capacity while creating fresh opportunities for international trade across Shaanxi Province and western China.
Four New Routes Forge Eurasian Logistics Corridor
The newly established routes connect Xi'an with Milan (Italy), Tbilisi (Georgia), Debrecen (Hungary), and Madrid (Spain). The European-bound flights to Milan, Madrid, and Debrecen will utilize Boeing 767-300F freighters—renowned for their exceptional payload capacity and reliability in transcontinental operations. The Tbilisi route will employ Boeing 737-800F aircraft, optimized for regional cargo efficiency.
With 366 annual flights planned across these routes, the network is projected to handle over 15,000 metric tons of international cargo yearly. This capacity expansion addresses critical air freight bottlenecks between China and Europe, reducing transit times and logistics costs while supporting cross-border e-commerce and traditional trade.
Multifaceted Investment Strategy
Comet Airlines' commitment extends beyond route launches through a comprehensive operational strategy:
Fleet Expansion: The carrier plans to introduce an additional Boeing 767 freighter in Q2 2025 to increase Madrid route frequency and establish new European connections.
Local Operations: A Xi'an representative office will be established to enhance service capabilities and customer responsiveness as routes stabilize.
Long-Term Growth: Future fleet additions will enable more dedicated cargo routes between Xi'an and Europe, reflecting sustained investment in the region.
Catalyst for Regional Economic Development
This infrastructure development reduces trade barriers between Shaanxi Province and European markets, particularly benefiting e-commerce and export-oriented businesses. Xi'an's strategic position as a Belt and Road Initiative hub receives further reinforcement through these aviation investments.
As additional carriers potentially enter the market, Xi'an's air cargo sector appears poised for continued expansion. Comet Airlines' network development contributes to rebuilding historical Silk Road connections through modern logistics channels, positioning Xi'an as a pivotal node in 21st-century global trade networks.