Shanghai adds Paris air cargo route

​A China Eastern aircraft is seen handling secured cargo during nighttime airport operations. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

China Cargo Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern Air Logistics, launched a direct cargo route from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on Nov 20, opening a new air logistics channel between China and France.

Flight CK203, operated by a B777 freighter, departed Shanghai at 5:58 am in response to rising air freight demand between China and Europe, where exports from China to France have been increasing along with steady imports from France to China.

The route, with three round-trip flights per week, will primarily handle machinery and apparel on outbound flights and will carry chemicals and raw materials on return journeys.

It will use Paris as a hub to connect with existing European destinations such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Budapest, creating a comprehensive cargo network across Western and Central-Eastern Europe.

The airline plans to leverage Charles de Gaulle Airport's hub capabilities to deliver cargo to major European cities within 48 hours of arrival.

China Eastern Air Logistics has deepened its international cooperation. Prior collaboration with Air France-KLM enabled it to extend its logistics network to South America through access to their cargo space.

According to China Eastern Air Logistics, the new Paris cargo flight will further strengthen cooperative ties and lay the groundwork for expansion into emerging markets such as Africa.

The new cargo route aligns with China Eastern Air Logistics' strategy to expand its reach into international and emerging markets.

China Eastern has operated passenger flights between Shanghai and Paris for more than two decades, increasing from three weekly flights to the current 12, accumulating operational experience and customer resources that will support the operation of the new cargo service.