Chengdu Launches Direct Cargo Flights to Addis Ababa, Boosting China-Africa Trade Links

[Southwest China's First Direct All-Cargo Air Route to Africa Launched]

Today marks the official launch of Southwest China's first scheduled all-cargo air route to Africa — the Chengdu Tianfu–Addis Ababa service, connecting Chengdu with the capital of Ethiopia.The route operates two flights per week (Mondays and Fridays), with a maximum cargo capacity of 100 tonnes per flight. Inbound flights primarily carry African specialty products such as coffee, fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, while outbound flights are dominated by high value-added goods, including new energy vehicles, photovoltaic equipment, and lithium batteries.

Addis Ababa is one of Africa's key aviation hubs. Leveraging the local route network, cargo departing from Chengdu can transit through Addis Ababa to major cities across Africa; likewise, African goods can enter China's western market via Chengdu and be further distributed to other regions through air, road, and rail networks.

The opening of this new route adds a dedicated air logistics corridor for economic and trade exchanges between western China and Africa.