German freight forwarder DB Schenker has introduced a new air cargo service connecting Ezhou in China with Frankfurt in Germany, creating more capacity for e-commerce, high-tech goods, electronics, industrial products, consumer items, retail goods, and automotive parts.
The projected annual cargo volume for the route is expected to reach 5 200 tonnes.
The inaugural flight, operated by Etihad Cargo using a Boeing 777 freighter, departed from Ezhou Huahu International Airport on 7 January.
The service is scheduled to operate weekly, with flights departing Ezhou every Tuesday, stopping in Abu Dhabi, and arriving in Frankfurt the following day.
Ramon He, senior vice president and head of airfreight at DB Schenker Greater China, explained that the Ezhou-Frankfurt route represented an important step for DB Schenker in enhancing its presence in the Chinese market.
He highlighted the advanced infrastructure and operational efficiency of Ezhou Huahu International Airport, as well as its strategic role in connecting international industries and supply chains. He also noted the company’s decision to make the airport a key air freight hub in Central China, allowing it to offer more efficient and dependable logistics solutions to customers.
Stanislas Brun, vice president of cargo at Etihad Cargo, emphasised the close collaboration between Etihad Cargo and DB Schenker to meet capacity requirements and ensure smooth operations on the Ezhou-Frankfurt route.
He pointed out that the partnership leveraged the strategic location of Ezhou Huahu International Airport and Etihad Cargo’s extensive network and expertise, enabling businesses to streamline supply chains and efficiently connect key markets in Central China and Europe.
Since its opening in July 2022, Ezhou Huahu International Airport has established 30 international and 53 domestic cargo routes. Located in the Echeng District of Ezhou City, 75 kilometres from Wuhan, the airport is within a 1.5-hour flight radius of five major urban clusters, including the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions.
The area is supported by a comprehensive multimodal transport network, comprising three major railway lines, seven highways, and five deep-water ports, facilitating cargo distribution.
Etihad Cargo had already established operations at Ezhou Huahu International Airport in 2023 through a partnership with SF Airlines.
