Ethiopian Airlines launches Chengdu-Addis Ababa freighter route to boost China-Africa trade
The Addis Ababa hub is Ethiopian Airlines’ primary cargo gateway, linking flights from Asia to more than 50 African destinations.
ETHIOPIA – Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new freighter service between Chengdu, China, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, establishing the first direct all-cargo air link between Chengdu and Africa as the airline seeks to support trade and economic exchanges between Southwest China and the African continent.
The airline announced the launch on LinkedIn, stating that the new connection will support trade and economic exchanges between Southwest China and Africa.
According to Xinhua, an Ethiopian Airlines ET3005 freighter from Addis Ababa landed at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on 28 August, marking the opening of Chengdu’s first direct all-cargo route to Africa.
Strategic Connectivity and Trade Facilitation
Tang Ruibo, general manager of Ethiopian Airlines’ China operations, said the service will use the airline’s Addis Ababa hub to distribute cargo from Chengdu to key cities in 54 African countries. Destinations include Lagos, Accra, Dakar, Entebbe and Lubumbashi.
This historic air link is the first direct freighter route between south-western China and the African continent. From the Ethiopian capital, shipments will be distributed across a vast network of more than fifty African nations.
Boeing 777F Capabilities and Network Reach
Using Boeing 777F aircraft, the service will facilitate the exchange of goods and strengthen economic ties between China and Africa. The Boeing 777F is a long-range, high-capacity freighter capable of carrying substantial cargo across intercontinental distances, making it ideal for the Chengdu-Addis Ababa route.
The Addis Ababa hub is Ethiopian Airlines’ primary cargo gateway, linking flights from Asia to more than 50 African destinations. This strategic positioning enables efficient distribution of goods from China to key markets across the continent, including West African hubs such as Lagos and Accra, as well as Eastern and Southern African destinations.
Expansion Plans
The Chengdu-Addis Ababa service will be operated with Boeing 777F freighters. It will initially operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays. Xinhua reported that the frequency is planned to increase to four flights a week through capacity optimization.
Under current plans, the airline intends to increase flight frequency as operations are further optimized.
Finally, this strategic expansion aims to streamline logistics and enhance the overall efficiency of international trade between these two global regions.
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