Africa’s leading carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, is continuing to expand its cargo network and deepen cooperation with Chinese airports as it prepares for sustained growth in China–Africa trade, cross-border e-commerce, and air freight volumes. China has become Africa’s largest trading partner and remains the airline’s most important market for cargo operations.
According to the company, more than 40% of the international transit cargo handled through Ethiopian Airlines’ logistics hub in Addis Ababa is linked to China. The airline’s management considers the Chinese market its top strategic priority for the coming years.
Further momentum is expected from China’s decision to grant duty-free access to imports from 53 African countries. The policy is anticipated to increase return cargo volumes, improve aircraft utilization, and expand exports of African products, including coffee, flowers, and fresh produce that require temperature-controlled transportation.
Another major growth driver is cross-border e-commerce. The rapid expansion of Chinese platforms such as Temu and SHEIN across African markets is fueling demand for time-sensitive air cargo services through the airline’s cargo terminals in China.
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet of 20 dedicated freighter aircraft and serves more than 10 destinations across China. To further increase capacity, the carrier has signed an agreement to add two Boeing 777-300ERSF freighters to its fleet, with deliveries scheduled for 2028. At the same time, the airline is expanding cooperation with airports in Guangzhou, Ezhou, and Zhengzhou while exploring the launch of a new direct cargo route connecting southwestern China with Africa.
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