Addis Ababa, 30 June 2025 – Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier and one of the world’s fastest-growing global airline brands, has launched a new twice-weekly cargo service connecting Addis Ababa with Urumqi, China. The inaugural flight was greeted with a festive ceremony and traditional water cannon salute at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport.
Operating every Monday and Thursday, this new route strengthens Ethiopian’s presence in Western China and further solidifies the critical cargo corridor between Africa and Asia. The enhanced connectivity supports faster, more efficient freight movement, expanding market access for importers and exporters on both continents.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, commented, “The launch of our cargo service to Urumqi marks yet another significant step in strengthening our footprint in China and deepening air trade links between Asia and Africa. As a strategic gateway to Western China, Urumqi opens new possibilities for cross-border commerce, supply chain efficiency, and economic integration. At Ethiopian Airlines, we remain committed to expanding our cargo network with purpose, creating reliable, fast, and seamless logistics that serve as a catalyst for growth across continents. China continues to be one of our most important markets, and this new route reaffirms our long-term partnership and vision for shared prosperity.”
Ethiopian currently operates more than 190 weekly flights to 27 destinations across Asia, including 83 weekly services to 11 cities in China. With a state-of-the-art fleet and advanced cargo facilities, the airline moves nearly one million tons of cargo annually through its global network of over 140 destinations.
The addition of Urumqi marks another milestone in Ethiopian’s mission to enhance Africa–Asia connectivity and to further position Addis Ababa as a vital global cargo hub.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES
