Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new cargo service from Chengdu, expanding its freight network in China and adding another connection between southwest China and African markets.
The new service was launched on August 28, according to the announcement provided by the airline. It is intended to create a cargo transport link between southwest China and Africa and support trade between the two regions.
The move adds to an already extensive China cargo network. Ethiopian Airlines’ January 2026 factsheet said its cargo operation served more than 70 destinations globally, including several Chinese cities such as Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Macau, Xiamen, Chongqing and Zhengzhou.
The airline also maintains a cargo office at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, according to its current contact information.
The carrier has expanded its dedicated China freighter network in recent years. In June 2025, Ethiopian Cargo launched a direct Boeing 777 freighter service between Urumqi and Addis Ababa, with two to three flights scheduled per week. The inaugural flight carried 105 tonnes of cargo.
Ethiopian Airlines has also previously operated passenger services connecting Addis Ababa with Chengdu, alongside other major Chinese cities, reflecting the carrier’s established presence in the Chinese market.
The latest announcement does not provide the Chengdu service’s flight frequency, aircraft type, cargo capacity, African destinations or expected cargo volumes. Those details would be needed to assess how much additional freight capacity the new route adds to the carrier’s China-Africa network.
