Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new twice-weekly cargo service between Addis Ababa and Urumqi, China, enhancing its cargo network in Asia. The new route—operating on Mondays and Thursdays—was inaugurated with a ceremonial water cannon salute at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport.
Urumqi becomes a strategic addition to Ethiopian’s Chinese network, strengthening air trade between Africa and Western China. The new service aims to improve cross-border commerce, supply chain efficiency, and market access for exporters and importers.
CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasised the airline’s commitment to growing its cargo footprint in China, calling the route a step toward “shared prosperity” between Asia and Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines now operates over 190 weekly flights to 27 Asian destinations, including 83 weekly flights to 11 Chinese cities, and transports nearly 1 million tons of cargo annually. The Urumqi launch further solidifies Addis Ababa’s role as a major global cargo hub.