Ethiopian Airlines Debuts Twice-Weekly Cargo Link Between Addis Ababa and Urumqi to Enhance Africa–Asia Trade
(IN SHORT) Ethiopian Airlines has launched a twice-weekly cargo service between Addis Ababa and Urumqi, China, with inaugural celebrations featuring a water-cannon salute at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport. Operating every Monday and Thursday, the new route aims to strengthen Ethiopia’s footprint in Western China and streamline the vital freight corridor linking Africa and Asia. Group CEO Mesfin Tasew highlighted the strategic importance of Urumqi as a gateway for cross-border trade and noted the carrier’s commitment to expanding its tech-enabled, temperature-controlled cargo network. Already flying over 190 weekly frequencies to 27 Asian destinations (including 83 flights to 11 Chinese cities), Ethiopian moves nearly one million tonnes of cargo each year to over 140 destinations worldwide. This service bolsters the airline’s mission to solidify Addis Ababa as a leading global cargo hub and foster deeper economic integration between continents.
(PRESS RELEASE) ADDID ABABA, 2025-Jul-1 — /Travel PR News/ — Ethiopian Airlines, recognized as Africa’s foremost carrier and one of the world’s rapidly expanding airline brands, has inaugurated a new twice-weekly freighter service linking its Addis Ababa hub with Urumqi Diwopu International Airport in Western China. Marking the maiden arrival, the cargo aircraft received a vibrant welcome complete with a traditional water-cannon salute. Going forward, flights will depart Addis Ababa every Monday and Thursday, reinforcing the airline’s dedication to seamless, reliable logistics.
By establishing this direct connection, Ethiopian Airlines deepens its presence in China’s western regions and fortifies a critical trade artery between Africa and Asia. The route is designed to accelerate transit times, streamline supply chains, and open up fresh opportunities for exporters and importers on both continents.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, commented, “Launching our Urumqi service represents a strategic milestone in broadening our China network and strengthening economic ties across Asia and Africa. As a gateway to Western China, Urumqi will catalyze cross-border commerce and reinforce Addis Ababa’s role as a premier global cargo hub. We remain committed to expanding our cargo footprint with innovative, tech-driven solutions that drive shared prosperity.”
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates over 190 weekly flights across 27 Asian destinations, including 83 services to 11 Chinese cities. Leveraging its modern fleet and state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled cargo facilities, the carrier transports nearly one million tonnes of freight annually to more than 140 global destinations. This latest route further cements Ethiopian’s vision of enhanced Africa–Asia connectivity and robust supply-chain integration.
For more information, visit our website at www.ethiopianairlines.com email us at [email protected] , or call us at (251-11)517-8913/8165/8907.
SOURCE: Ethiopian Airlines