German freight forwarder DB Schenker has launched a new air cargo route connecting Ezhou, China, with Frankfurt, Germany, aimed at boosting its business operations in China.
The inaugural flight, operated by Etihad Cargo, took off from Ezhou Huahu International Airport on January 7 aboard a Boeing 777 freighter. The service, which will operate every Tuesday, includes a stopover in Abu Dhabi before arriving in Frankfurt the following day.
The new route will provide capacity for a variety of cargo, including e-commerce goods, electronics, industrial products, consumer and retail items, and automotive components. DB Schenker anticipates the route will handle approximately 5,200 tons of cargo annually.
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Ramon He, Senior Vice President and Head of Airfreight for DB Schenker Greater China, emphasized the strategic importance of the Ezhou-Frankfurt connection. “The launch of this route marks a crucial step in deepening our presence in the Chinese market,” He said. “Ezhou Huahu International Airport offers cutting-edge infrastructure and serves as a vital hub, linking international supply chains with efficiency. We are confident in the airport’s growth potential and are making it our primary airfreight base in Central China.”
Etihad Cargo, which operates the route in partnership with DB Schenker, also highlighted the strategic significance of the route. “By leveraging Ezhou Huahu International Airport’s prime location and our operational expertise, we’re providing the reliability and flexibility businesses need to streamline their supply chains,” said Stanislas Brun, Vice President of Cargo at Etihad Cargo. “This partnership facilitates seamless connections between key markets in Central China and Europe.”
Ezhou Huahu International Airport, which began operations in July 2022, has rapidly expanded its network, now offering 30 international and 53 domestic cargo routes. Located in Echeng District, Ezhou City, the airport benefits from its proximity to Wuhan and several major urban centers, including the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta. Its extensive multimodal transport links—including three rail lines, seven highways, and five deep-water ports—further enhance its role as a logistics hub.
Etihad Cargo has previously utilized the airport, having launched services there in 2023 in collaboration with SF Airlines.
