Ethiopian Airlines Launches Direct Freighter Service Linking Chengdu with Africa

Addis Ababa, August 28, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopian Airlines has launched a scheduled freighter service connecting Chengdu in southwest China directly with Addis Ababa, creating a new air cargo corridor between western China and Africa.

According to a social media post by Ethiopian Airlines, the service opens a direct cargo link designed to strengthen trade and economic exchanges between southwest China and Africa.

The Chengdu–Addis Ababa freighter route is operated with a Boeing 777 freighter and is initially scheduled to run twice a week.

The launch marks an important expansion of air cargo connectivity between China’s rapidly growing western manufacturing hub and the African market.

The service is expected to facilitate the movement of a wide range of commodities in both directions.

Cargo from Chengdu and surrounding manufacturing centers includes electronics, machinery, and other high-value manufactured goods, while exports from Africa can be sent to the Chinese market through the new connection.

The route also strengthens the role of Addis Ababa as a major cargo gateway between China and Africa. Through Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive African network, cargo arriving in Addis Ababa can be distributed onward to major commercial centers across the continent.

According to media reports from Chengdu, the service is expected to provide additional capacity for time-sensitive and high-value cargo, while reducing logistics costs and transit times for businesses in western China seeking access to African markets.

The launch builds on Ethiopian Airlines’ longstanding connectivity with China. The airline has maintained air links between Ethiopia and China for decades and has continued expanding both passenger and cargo operations in the country.