Xinjiang-Africa direct air cargo route launched as new flights are scheduled to operate two to three times in a week.
The first direct air cargo route connecting northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to Africa was launched on Friday, with a Boeing 777 freighter departing from Urumqi for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Operated by Ethiopian Airlines, the new service will offer two to three flights per week. It aims to integrate Xinjiang’s exports into African and global logistics chains, while also enabling the import of high-quality African products such as beef, lamb, specialty coffee, and horticultural items for Chinese consumers.
To improve efficiency, customs authorities have introduced simplified procedures, including direct sorting and distribution upon cargo arrival.
According to Liu Jingyi, an official from Urumqi airport customs, this new route is expected to attract more businesses across the logistics and supply chain sectors, stimulate related industries, and generate new employment opportunities.
Dereje Derero Dimenso, head of cargo and logistics services at Ethiopian Airlines, emphasized that the route will significantly enhance logistics support for China-Africa trade and contribute to expanded cooperation between the two regions.
This marks the eighth international cargo route launched from Urumqi in 2024, following other new links to cities such as Istanbul and Islamabad.
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