Guizhou opens first intercontinental cargo flight

A direct cargo flight between Guiyang and Moscow is expected to shorten the transportation time between the two cities. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

An IL-76 cargo plane from Moscow landed at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport in Southwest China's Guizhou province on the afternoon of July 13 and returned with a full load of precision instruments, auto parts, and other goods, marking the opening of a new Guiyang-Moscow cargo route.

It is Guizhou's first intercontinental cargo route and fourth international cargo route, further strengthening Guiyang's airport route network and marking a new milestone in the development of Guizhou's open channels.

The opening of the Guiyang–Moscow cargo route not only fills the gap in air cargo capacity between Guiyang and Europe, but also enhances transportation efficiency and benefits Guizhou enterprises looking to expand into the European trade market.

The new route has reduced the time it takes to ship Russian products to Guiyang from 50 hours to 13 hours. Europe's fresh king crabs, salmon, and other delicacies can quickly reach the dining tables of Guiyang residents. Similarly, Guizhou's products will also be able to reach Europe more quickly, showcasing the quality of Chinese goods and the charm of Guizhou.

Inbound cargo to be shipped via this route includes high-end fresh products such as Russian king crabs, snow crabs, and sea urchins, while outbound cargo consists of Chinese apparel accessories, precision instruments, daily goods, and more.

The annual value of imports and exports is expected to reach around 3 billion yuan ($413.23 million), with annual throughput reaching 15,000 metric tons.

In recent years, Guiyang has been promoting the development of airports, with a comprehensive designated regulatory site at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport established.

An international postal matter exchange station, an international express center, a bonded logistics center, an international freight center, and a customs supervision center have also been established.

Guiyang has opened international cargo routes to Kolkata and Delhi in India, and Karachi in Pakistan. From 2023 to July 9, 2024, a total of 156 flights of these three routes were operated, transporting approximately 1,514 tons of goods.

These developments have created an efficient, smooth, and rapid air corridor for Guizhou's goods to go global, supporting the high-quality development of the province's open economy.