DB Schenker has inaugurated a new regular cargo route connecting Ezhou and Frankfurt, further strengthening air logistics between Central China and Europe.
The route will accommodate diverse cargo categories, including e-commerce, high-tech products, electronics, industrial goods, consumer and retail items, and automotive parts.
The service, operated by Etihad Cargo, will depart Ezhou every Tuesday, with a stopover in Abu Dhabi before reaching Frankfurt the following day.
The inaugural flight, operated by a Boeing 777 freighter, took off from Ezhou Huahu International Airport on January 7, 2025.
With an anticipated annual cargo volume of 5,200 tonnes, the new route underscores DB Schenker’s commitment to providing reliable freight capacity while bolstering Sino-European trade and fostering sustained economic collaboration between the two regions.
As the first dedicated cargo hub airport in Asia, Ezhou Huahu International Airport has shown remarkable growth since its inauguration in July 2022. This 4E-level international airport has opened 30 international and 53 domestic cargo routes, connecting major economic regions worldwide. In 2024, the airport maintained the fastest growth rate in China, ranking fifth in cargo nationwide, with a cumulative volume exceeding 1.2 million tonnes.
DB Schenker says the unique location of Ezhou Huahu International Airport was a key factor for it choosing to establish its operations there. The airport is situated in Echeng District, Ezhou City, 75 kilometres away from Wuhan, and within a 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 constitute a comprehensive multimodal transportation network, ensuring the solid support for cargo distribution.
From a strategic perspective, the Ezhou Huahu International Airport region is accelerating the development of emerging industry clusters, including aviation logistics, healthcare, intelligent manufacturing, and optoelectronic information. DB Schenker says this is highly compatible with its advantages in logistics and transportation solutions, creating substantial opportunities for expanding integrated logistics services. The airport aims to develop into an organisational platform for international and domestic trade connectivity by 2025, serving as an important power driving force for high-quality regional economy development.
Ramon He, senior vice president and head of air freight of DB Schenker Greater China, said: “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 strategic node advantages 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 of 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.”
READ MORE NEWS: Etihad Cargo adds new weekly Paris service
The post DB Schenker launches weekly Ezhou-Frankfurt cargo route appeared first on Aviation Business News.