Han Ximin

1824295095@qq.com

SHENZHEN Bao’an International Airport recently opened a cargo route to Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan, facilitating trade links between Shenzhen and Central Asian countries.

The weekly cargo flight from Shenzhen to Ashgabat is operated by an A330 all-cargo aircraft of Turkmenistan Airlines, the national carrier of Turkmenistan. It mainly carries electronic products, clothing and other specialties from Shenzhen, as well as other general trade goods.

Turkmenistan Airlines has become the second-largest foreign cargo carrier introduced by the Shenzhen airport this year. The route represents the 11th international cargo route opened and intensified by the Shenzhen airport this year, according to the airport authority.

The opening of the new route marks the 16th city along the Belt and Road that conducts air cargo business with Shenzhen. The route is expected to further enhance connectivity between China and Central Asia while promoting trade between Shenzhen and countries along the Belt and Road.

Shenzhen’s market boasts a robust demand for cargo transportation, coupled with its proximity to Dongguan and Huizhou, which are key sources of cargo supply. Turkmenistan Airlines has indicated its willingness to increase the number of flights to Shenzhen based on market conditions.

In recent years, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has ushered in a new era of cooperation between China and Central Asian countries. In 2022, trade between China and Central Asian countries surged by 40% year on year, establishing China as the region’s leading trading partner. Notably, around 70% of goods shipped from China to Central Asia originate from South China.

Previously, exporters and enterprises had to transport their goods to airports in Beijing or other distant locations three to four days in advance to reach Central Asia.

Following the opening of this route, cargo can reach Central Asia within eight hours. This will significantly enhance air freight connections between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and BRI countries in Central Asia, contributing to the stability of the international supply chain.

This year, the Shenzhen airport has expanded its international cargo network to meet the growing demand in e-commerce and support the expansion of the city’s core industries by attracting nine airline companies, including Türkiye McNagar Airlines, Qatar Airways, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Jingdong Airlines,Turkmenistan Airlines, Air China Cargo, Central Airlines and Majestic International, to increase their capacity in Shenzhen.

The airport has opened six new routes and added flights to five existing routes, expanding its network to encompass 36 cities in 24 countries and regions across Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North and South America. From January to August, the airport’s cargo volume surpassed 1 million tons.