Shenzhen launches international cargo route to Dhaka, Bangladesh

Shenzhen Airport embarked on a new chapter in international air freight transportation with the inaugural flight of Zhongzhou Airlines' Boeing 737-800 Freighter to Dhaka International Airport in Bangladesh on September 24th. This event marked the official opening of the direct cargo route between Shenzhen and Dhaka, the 20th new or intensified international cargo route added by the airport this year, expanding its network to 39 all-cargo destinations worldwide.

(Photo: Nanfang Plus)

Bangladesh, renowned for its robust economic growth in South Asia, boasts a complementary economic structure and strong trade ties with China. As the capital and largest industrial hub of Bangladesh, Dhaka serves as a pivotal commodity distribution center. China stands as Bangladesh's top trading partner, while Bangladesh was the first South Asian country to join and actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The elevation of China-Bangladesh relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) in July this year further underscores the depth and potential of bilateral cooperation.

Scheduled to operate three flights per week, the Shenzhen-Dhaka cargo route is poised to offer nearly 100 tonnes of weekly airlift capacity to and from Bangladesh, effectively addressing the growing demand for air freight services between Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta region vis-à-vis Bangladesh. This new link enhances the efficiency of commodity transportation, shortening delivery timelines and fostering stronger economic exchanges.

Shenzhen Airport now boasts 19 international cargo routes connecting it with BRI partner countries, with 200 weekly all-cargo flights, forming an "air bridge" that firmly supports Shenzhen's expansion into new frontiers and avenues of economic and trade cooperation along the BRI. It also accelerates the global reach of "Made in Shenzhen" products, propelling them swiftly toward markets in participating BRI nations.

As of September 23rd, Shenzhen Airport's cargo throughput has surpassed 1.3 million tonnes for the year, a year-on-year increase of approximately 17%. Looking ahead, leveraging its strategic position as a national logistics hub for the aviation industry, Shenzhen Airport aims to strengthen connectivity with key cities along the BRI and major international aviation hubs globally. This endeavor will further facilitate economic and trade exchanges between Shenzhen and partner countries in the BRI.