Logistics firm Eurus Express has launched a new regular freighter flight from Haikou to Milan to cater for e-commerce demand.
The twice weekly charter flight will be operated by Georgian Airlines using a Boeing 767-300 freighter between Haikou Meilan International Airport and Milan Malpensa Airport.
Menzies Aviation will provide cargo handling services in Haikou and BCUBE Air Cargo (MLE) will provide cargo handling services in Milan.
The flight is the Chinese city’s first-ever direct cargo link to Milan.
The Haikou-headquartered logistics firm said that the new service would cater for e-commerce demand into Europe.
Meanwhile, Haikou's role as a free trade zone and travel destination means it plays a crucial role in importing luxury and duty-free goods from Milan to the growing consumer market in Southern China.
Offshore duty-free spending has skyrocketed in the city of Haikou, which hosts the largest stand-alone duty-free shop in the world.
Looking ahead, Eurus said it plans to increase flight frequency from Haikou and add new destinations worldwide to meet the rising demand for efficient cross-border trade.
"As China’s leading free port city, Haikou is a major importer of luxury and duty-free goods from across the world. Introducing a direct air cargo route to the fashion capital of Milan is set to bring about economic opportunities for both cities," Eurus said in a LinkedIn post.
