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Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most globally connected carrier, has launched a new direct cargo service between Addis Ababa and Urumqi, the capital of China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This new route marks a pivotal step in strengthening logistics and trade ties between Africa and Asia, with meaningful implications for global freight operations.
Dereje Derero, Managing Director of Cargo and Logistics Services at Ethiopian Airlines, called the new corridor a “vital cargo gateway” that will significantly enhance economic exchange between the continents. The service commenced on 27 June 2025 and is the first direct cargo connection between Africa and northwest China. Operating twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays, this route becomes Ethiopian Airlines’ 11th destination in China.
Derero emphasized that the new route reinforces Addis Ababa’s position as a central hub in both African and global supply chains. Ethiopian Airlines already operates over 190 weekly flights to 27 destinations across Asia, including 83 cargo and passenger services to major Chinese cities. Adding Urumqi broadens the airline’s reach into China’s inland markets and integrates Ethiopia further into the Belt and Road logistics network.
Beyond its geographic reach, the route is expected to deliver tangible economic benefits. Direct cargo flights streamline supply chains by reducing transit times and operational costs while enhancing reliability. Key African exports—such as perishables, textiles, and industrial goods—will benefit from the airline’s advanced temperature-controlled and technology-enabled logistics systems.
Transporting nearly one million tonnes of freight annually, Ethiopian Airlines operates a modern cargo fleet connected to a global network spanning over 140 destinations. The airline’s long-term growth strategy, Vision 2035, aims to position it among the world’s top 20 aviation groups based on competitiveness, operational excellence, and global reach.
The inaugural flight was welcomed in Urumqi with a formal ceremony and a traditional water cannon salute, underscoring the route’s strategic importance. Located near the borders of several Central Asian countries, Urumqi is a key logistics hub offering African exporters expanded access not only to Chinese markets but also to Central and South Asia.
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Derero also reiterated Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to the Chinese market, with plans to further expand routes and increase flight frequencies. This initiative supports broader efforts to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between China and African nations, aligning with Africa’s goals for trade diversification and resilient supply chains.
With this latest addition, Ethiopian Airlines continues to lead Africa’s aviation sector, leveraging its extensive logistics capabilities, global partnerships, and network connectivity to drive the continent’s economic integration and global presence.
