Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new route between northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This is the first direct air cargo route from the Xinjiang Uygur region to Africa, it is learnt.
The first flight departed from Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang region, on June 27. Ethiopian is expected to operate two to three weekly flights using a Boeing 777 freighter.
These flights are anticipated to provide capacity to Xinjiang’s exporters, supporting them to access African and global logistics networks.
The flights will also help meet Chinese consumer demand for premium African goods such as beef, lamb, specialty coffee and horticultural products.
Customs authorities in Urumqi have implemented streamlined procedures, including direct sorting and distribution upon arrival, to enhance logistics efficiency, as per a report.