In today's fast-paced global logistics environment, international air freight continues to play a pivotal role. Recent developments in cargo flight operations are providing businesses and logistics professionals with enhanced transportation options across key trade routes.
Major Airlines Strengthen Cargo Networks
China Eastern Airlines (MU) has launched significant charter operations from Beijing, with six weekly wide-body flights to Moscow ( SVO ) starting from Week 14. From Shanghai, MU now operates daily wide-body flights specifically optimized for fragile cargo like large LCD panels.
Egypt Air (ET) has introduced daily wide-body direct flights from Beijing to Addis Ababa ( ADD ), offering efficient connections to African destinations and seamless transfers to European markets.
European carriers are also expanding their networks:
- Air France (AF) : Daily direct flights to Paris ( CDG ) with extensive connections to Europe, North America, and Africa. Additional cargo flights operate every Tuesday and Friday.
- KLM (KL) : Daily wide-body service to Amsterdam ( AMS ) with connections to Europe, the U.S., and Africa.
- Lufthansa (LH) : Has shifted cargo capacity to Frankfurt ( FRA ) flights for better European connectivity.
Regional Expansion and Specialized Services
From Xi'an, China Eastern now operates weekly charter flights to Milan ( MXP ) using wide-body aircraft. Martinair (MS) has resumed its four-times-weekly wide-body service to Cairo ( CAI ), strengthening Middle East-Africa logistics links, with Lagos ( LOS ) cargo flights also returning to service.
China Eastern maintains fixed pricing policies for:
- General cargo
- Temperature-controlled shipments
- Lithium battery transportation
For smaller shipments, daily services are available from Beijing to Hong Kong ( HKG ) and Macau ( MFM ).
Asia-Pacific Network Enhancements
China Eastern operates daily flights connecting Seoul ( ICN ), Osaka ( KIX ), and Tokyo ( HND ) via flight numbers MU2073/4. From Beijing Daxing Airport, Air China (CA) offers direct wide-body flights to multiple global destinations including:
- Melbourne ( MEL )
- Barcelona ( BCN )
- London ( LHR )
- Geneva ( GVA )
- Athens ( ATH )
- Paris ( CDG )
- Madrid ( MAD )
- Milan ( MXP )
Hainan Airlines (CZ) provides charter services from Taiyuan Gongyi International Airport to major U.S. cities including Washington ( IAD ), San Francisco ( SFO ), Seattle ( SEA ), and Los Angeles ( LAX ).
Middle East and Southeast Asia Connections
Saudia (SV) now offers direct flights from Beijing Daxing to Jeddah ( JED ) and Riyadh ( RUH ), with connections to Dubai ( DXB ), Mauritius ( MRU ), and Tunis ( TUN ).
AirAsia (D7) operates daily Beijing Daxing-Kuala Lumpur ( KUL ) flights with multiple connection options. China Airlines (CI) from Taipei provides direct services to Singapore ( SIN ), Ho Chi Minh City ( SGN ), Bangkok ( BKK ), and Manila ( MNL ), with convenient flight timings including CI512 (12:30 departure) and CI518 (20:20 departure).
China Southern Airlines (CZ) has optimized its flight schedules to ensure reliable cargo delivery across its network.
Driving Global Trade Growth
The expanding air cargo networks from Chinese and international carriers are providing businesses with unprecedented shipping options, facilitating cross-border trade and accelerating market development. Airlines are strategically enhancing their route structures to meet diverse industry needs, ensuring smooth logistics flows that support sustained economic growth worldwide.
