On 7 January 2025, DB Schenker inaugurated a new air freight route connecting Ezhou Huahu International Airport in Central China with Frankfurt, Germany. The Boeing 777 freighter’s departure marks the establishment of a regular cargo service aimed at supporting Sino-European trade.
The route, operated by Etihad Cargo, departs Ezhou every Tuesday, stopping in Abu Dhabi before reaching Frankfurt the following day. It will accommodate diverse goods, including e-commerce, high-tech products, industrial goods, consumer items, and automotive parts, with an estimated annual capacity of 5,200 tons.
Ramon He, Senior Vice President and Head of Air Freight Greater China at DB Schenker, commented on the choice of Ezhou Huahu International Airport, stating, “Ezhou Huahu International Airport not only boasts advanced infrastructure and efficient operational systems but also serves as a strategic node in connecting international industrial and supply chains.” He emphasized its potential to enhance the company’s logistics offerings in the region.
Ezhou Huahu International Airport, Asia’s first dedicated cargo hub airport, is located 75 kilometers from Wuhan, Hubei Province. Its strategic location connects it to major Chinese economic regions via railways, highways, and deep-water ports. The airport handled over 1.2 million tons of cargo in 2024, achieving the fastest growth rate among Chinese airports.