Asia's largest cargo airport expands air links with Africa, South America

(ECNS) -- Ezhou Huahu International Airport in central China's Hubei province launched a new international cargo route linking Ethiopia, Brazil and Chile Monday, expanding its air freight network across Africa and South America.

The route, flown by Boeing 777 freighters, runs twice a week from Ezhou through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Santiago, Chile. The first flight of the season carrying Chilean cherries arrived at the airport early Monday, marking the route's launch.

The route connects the airport with Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, a major air cargo hub in Africa, and gives access to South American markets. It is designed to reduce transfers and shorten transport times for fresh goods.

An airport official said the route will carry Chinese cross-border e-commerce goods on outbound flights, and return flights will mainly carry South American fresh products, including cherries and salmon. Imported fresh products can reach Chinese consumers within 48 hours.

The airport also recently opened another international cargo route linking Ezhou, Addis Ababa, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires, Argentina. That route, also flown by Boeing 777 freighters, runs once a week and mainly brings in salmon and beef.

The new routes are expected to support Chinese exports and bring more South American fresh products to the Chinese market.

(By Tang Yuxian)