German freight forwarder DB Schenker has launched a new air cargo route between Ezhou in China and Frankfurt in Germany to help it develop business in China.
The first flight departed from Ezhou Huahu International Airport on January 7 operated by Etihad Cargo using a Boeing 777 freighter. The airline will fly a 777F from Ezhou every Tuesday, with a stopover in Abu Dhabi before arriving in Frankfurt the following day.
The route will offer capacity for a wide range of cargo, including e-commerce, high-tech, electronics, industrial goods, consumer and retail products, and automotive parts.
The estimated annual cargo volume is expected to reach 5,200 tons.
Ramon He, senior vice president and head of airfreight, DB Schenker Greater China, stated: “The launch of the Ezhou-Frankfurt route is a significant measure for DB Schenker to deepen its layout in the Chinese market.
”Ezhou Huahu International Airport not only boasts advanced infrastructure and efficient operational systems but also serves as a strategic node advantage in connecting international industrial and supply chains.
”We are optimistic about its development potential and have chosen it as our key air freight hub in Central China, enabling us to provide more efficient and reliable professional logistics and transportation solutions to our customers.”
Stanislas Brun, vice president cargo at Etihad Cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo works closely with DB Schenker to address its capacity needs, ensuring the seamless operation of the Ezhou-Frankfurt route.
”By leveraging Ezhou Huahu International Airport’s strategic location and Etihad Cargo’s extensive network and operational expertise, we provide the reliability and flexibility required for successful global logistics. This partnership enables businesses to optimize supply chains, connecting key markets in Central China and Europe with efficiency and ease.”
Since opening in July 2022, Ezhou Huahu International Airport has opened 30 international and 53 domestic cargo routes.
The airport is situated in Echeng District, Ezhou City, 75 kilometers away from Wuhan, and within 1.5-hour flight radius of five major national urban agglomerations, including the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions.
The three main railway lines, seven highways, and five deep-water ports surrounding the airport offer a multimodal transportation network for cargo distribution.
Meanwhile, Etihad Cargo is no stranger to the airport, having launched flights out of the Chinese hub in 2023 as part of its partnership with SF Airlines.
