As dawn broke over Urumqi Diwopu International Airport on May 11, a cargo aircraft loaded with 49 tons of cross-border e-commerce goods took off for Zurich, Switzerland, marking the inauguration of a vital new air trade corridor between China and Europe. The weekly flight, which includes a stopover in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, promises to significantly enhance logistics efficiency across the Eurasian continent.
Strategic Expansion of Eurasian Trade Networks
The launch comes amid growing economic cooperation between China and Europe, with cross-border e-commerce creating unprecedented demand for efficient logistics solutions. Urumqi, strategically positioned at the geographical center of Eurasia, continues to solidify its role as a crucial aviation hub connecting Eastern and Western markets.
"This new route provides direct access to Switzerland, eliminating multiple transshipments that previously increased costs and risks,"
said Feng Liang, general manager of Xinjiang Wanshengtong Supply Chain Management. The direct connection reduces transit times by approximately 30% compared to traditional routes, offering competitive advantages to regional exporters.
Customs Innovation Drives Operational Efficiency
Urumqi customs authorities have implemented specialized clearance protocols to support the route's operations. "We've established a 24/7 appointment system and streamlined inspection processes specifically for e-commerce shipments," explained Zhao Beijing, head of the customs supervision department. The measures include coordinated information sharing between customs, port authorities, logistics providers, and enterprises.
The airport now operates 18 international cargo routes connecting to 18 cities across 14 countries, including the UK, Hungary, Poland, and Romania. The Zurich connection represents both a network expansion and a quality upgrade for Urumqi's aviation logistics capabilities.
Economic Implications for Regional Development
Industry analysts anticipate the route will stimulate Xinjiang's economic growth by attracting investment and facilitating trade. The direct air link particularly benefits cross-border e-commerce businesses seeking to move premium Chinese products to European markets and vice versa.
The successful maiden flight represents a milestone in China-Europe trade cooperation, establishing infrastructure for future economic collaboration. As bilateral trade volumes continue growing, this modern "air silk road" is expected to play an increasingly significant role in Eurasian commerce.