Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's leading and fastest-growing carrier, has significantly deepened the continent's connectivity with China through the inauguration of a new direct cargo flight service to Urumqi. This twice-weekly route, which commenced on June 27, is being heralded as a crucial "cargo corridor" that will invigorate trade and foster socioeconomic collaboration between Africa and Asia, with a particular focus on the burgeoning relationship between China and African nations.
Dereje Derero, Managing Director of Cargo and Logistics Services at Ethiopian Airlines, emphasized the strategic importance of this new service, noting that it marks the airline's 11th gateway into China. The direct air cargo link between Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, and Urumqi, the capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is the first of its kind, opening up unprecedented opportunities for efficient transportation of goods and enhanced trade cooperation. Dereje highlighted the "lot of advantages" this new service will bring in strengthening the broader Africa-Asia trade and economic ties, underscoring Ethiopian Airlines' role in facilitating this crucial intercontinental exchange.
Ethiopian Airlines already boasts an impressive network in China, operating over 190 weekly flights to 27 destinations across Asia, including 83 weekly passenger and cargo flights to 11 Chinese cities. The addition of Urumqi is a testament to the airline's strong commitment to expanding its footprint in China, which it considers a "very big" and strategic market. This expansion is not merely about increasing destinations but also about enhancing flight frequencies to further propel Sino-African socioeconomic and people-to-people ties.
The airline, which annually transports nearly one million tonnes of cargo across a global network spanning over 140 destinations, leverages a modern fleet and advanced, temperature-controlled, and tech-enabled cargo infrastructure to support its operations. This newest route aligns with Ethiopian Airlines' ambitious "Vision 2035" strategic plan, aiming to establish it as one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups globally. According to ENA, the direct connection to Urumqi is a clear indicator of the airline's dedication to strengthening Africa-Asia connectivity and further cementing Addis Ababa's position as a critical global cargo hub, fostering a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship between China and the African continent.
