Twice-Weekly Cargo Flights Now Connecting Addis Ababa And Western China For Faster, Smarter Logistics
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier and a rising global aviation powerhouse, has just added another feather to its cap with the launch of a new twice-weekly cargo flight between Addis Ababa and Urumqi, China. The inaugural flight touched down at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport on June 30, 2025, to a warm and colourful welcome, complete with a traditional water cannon salute, marking a momentous step in air cargo logistics.
Operating every Monday and Thursday, the route is a game changer for freight movement between Africa and Western China, delivering faster, more efficient, and seamless cargo solutions for global exporters and importers. The Urumqi service enhances Ethiopian Airlines’ already robust presence in China, further reinforcing its status as the go-to carrier for reliable cargo connectivity between Asia and Africa.
“The launch of our cargo service to Urumqi marks yet another significant step in strengthening our footprint in China and deepening air trade links between Asia and Africa,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “Urumqi opens new possibilities for cross-border commerce, supply chain efficiency, and economic integration.”
With over 190 weekly flights to 27 Asian destinations, including 83 flights to 11 Chinese cities, Ethiopian Airlines is a cornerstone of intercontinental cargo logistics, supported by a modern fleet and tech-enabled, temperature-controlled cargo infrastructure. The airline currently transports close to 1 million tons of cargo annually to over 140 destinations worldwide, and Addis Ababa is steadily rising as a critical global cargo hub.
This latest addition to Ethiopian’s cargo network is more than just a new route; it’s a statement of intent. As China remains one of Ethiopian’s most strategic markets, the Urumqi connection is a bold move that expands market access, strengthens supply chains, and unlocks vast opportunities for trade, growth, and shared prosperity.
Africa’s Wings to the World – Now Reaching Western China
Whether it’s pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics, or industrial goods, Ethiopian Cargo’s Urumqi route is set to redefine speed and reliability in freight transportation between continents.
Fly Cargo. Fly Ethiopian.
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Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-seven years of successful operations, Ethiopian, the fastest growing airline, has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. In addition to its main hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it is also pursuing its multi-hub strategy through a hub in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and Bombardier Dash 8-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate most of these aircraft. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world by providing safe, secured, market driven and customer focused Passenger and Cargo Transport and Logistics, Aviation Training, Airport Management and Ground Services, MRO and Aerospace Manufacturing and Travel and Tourism Services. As a multi-award-winning airline, Ethiopian has been the champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for six consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years. For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com
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