On 7 January, DB Schenker launched a new Ezhou-Frankfurt regular cargo route with the inaugural flight of a Boeing 777 freighter from the Chinese Ezhou Huahu International Airport to Frankfurt, Germany.
The route, operated by Etihad Cargo, will run weekly with a stopover in Abu Dhabi, transporting diverse goods including e-commerce, high-tech, electronics, and automotive parts. It is also expected to handle an annual cargo volume of 5,200 tons, bolstering Sino-European trade and economic ties.
Shengze Wang, Member of Party Leadership Group of Ezhou Municipal People’s Government, commented: “DB Schenker’s decision to establish operations at Ezhou Huahu International Airport represents a strong endorsement of Ezhou’s business environment and development prospects. We will continue to optimize the business environment and fully support the development of international logistics enterprises such as DB Schenker in Ezhou. Together, we aim to transform Ezhou Huahu International Airport into an aviation cargo hub with global influence.”
Senior leaders from DB Schenker Greater China and officials from the Ezhou Municipal Government and Civil Aviation Administration attended the launch ceremony, highlighting the strategic significance of this new logistics corridor.
Ramon He, Senior Vice President and Head of Air Freight of DB Schenker Greater China, stated: “The launch of the Ezhou-Frankfurt route is a significant measure for DB Schenker to deepen its layout in the Chinese market. Ezhou Huahu International Airport not only boasts advanced infrastructure and efficient operational systems but also serves as a strategic node advantage in connecting international industrial and supply chains. We are optimistic about its development potential and have chosen it as our key air freight hub in Central China, enabling us to provide more efficient and reliable professional logistics and transportation solutions to our customers.”
Ezhou Huahu International Airport, Asia’s first dedicated cargo hub, has rapidly grown since its 2022 opening, becoming a key logistics centre with 83 cargo routes and over 1.2 million tons of throughput in 2024. Located in Central China, the airport benefits from multimodal transport connectivity and proximity to major economic regions like the Yangtze and Pearl River Delta.
The collaboration aligns with DB Schenker’s goals to enhance integrated logistics services and supports the airport’s ambition to become a trade and economic hub by 2025, driving regional economic growth through advanced logistics and emerging industries.
Stanislas Brun, Vice President of Cargo at Etihad Cargo, explained: “Etihad Cargo works closely with DB Schenker to address its capacity needs, ensuring the seamless operation of the Ezhou-Frankfurt route. By leveraging Ezhou Huahu International Airport’s strategic location and Etihad Cargo’s extensive network and operational expertise, we provide the reliability and flexibility required for successful global logistics. This partnership enables businesses to optimize supply chains, connecting key markets in Central China and Europe with efficiency and ease.”
