China Cargo Airlines has started a new direct cargo route linking Liège Airport in Belgium with Hefei Xinqiao International Airport in China. The service officially began on May 23, 2025. Flights will operate three times a week using a Boeing 777 Freighter.
This new service is designed to improve trade between Europe and Asia by offering faster and more reliable transport. It is part of China Cargo’s strategy to strengthen its global cargo network and meet rising demand for air freight between the two regions.
Liège Airport is becoming one of the most important logistics hubs in Europe. With its location near major European cities such as Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, it offers a strong advantage for companies looking for quick delivery times. The airport operates 24 hours a day and has modern cargo facilities that allow fast processing and reduced delays. It also has dedicated areas for e-commerce, medical supplies, and high-value goods.
The city of Hefei, located in eastern China, is a fast-developing industrial center. It is known for its production in areas such as electronics, automotive parts, and machinery. By connecting Hefei directly to Europe, China Cargo Airlines is helping businesses on both sides move goods faster. This is especially helpful for companies that need just-in-time delivery and want to avoid long waiting times at transit hubs.
China Cargo Airlines is based in Shanghai and is a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines. The company operates a fleet of 15 widebody cargo aircraft, mainly Boeing 777 Freighters. These planes are well known for their long range and high capacity. Each flight can carry over 100 metric tons of cargo, making them ideal for long-distance shipments between continents.
The new route will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Cargo from Hefei will arrive in Liège the same day, providing a fast and efficient option for time-sensitive goods. On the return leg, goods from Europe can be delivered to eastern China in less than 24 hours. This is a big improvement over slower sea or rail routes, especially for industries that rely on fast restocking and high turnover.
The launch of this route comes at a time when global trade is shifting. Many businesses are looking for new ways to make their supply chains more secure and flexible. Direct air routes reduce the number of steps needed to move goods, which also reduces the risk of delays. This is important for industries such as electronics, fashion, medical equipment, and online retail.
The route between Liège and Hefei adds another link to China Cargo’s existing European network. The airline already flies to cities like Frankfurt and Amsterdam. By adding Hefei, it opens the door to a wider range of products and trade routes. It also allows China Cargo to offer better service to companies based in central and eastern China.
Liège Airport continues to attract major cargo carriers from around the world. In 2024, the airport handled more than one million metric tons of cargo. That number is expected to rise in 2025 as more airlines add flights and more companies use the airport as a gateway to Europe. The addition of the China Cargo route confirms Liège’s growing role in the global cargo market.
