Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has taken a major leap in global logistics with the launch of its first direct cargo flight to Brussels on April 10. Operated by a Boeing 777 freighter, the route from Urumqi Tianshan International Airport carried e-commerce goods to the European political and logistics hub, marking a strategic expansion of China's international trade network.
The new route brings Urumqi's total international cargo connections to 36 across 22 countries, with European destinations now comprising over half of its operations. Analysts highlight this development as critical for integrating Xinjiang's growing manufacturing and e-commerce sectors into global supply chains. A second route to East Midlands, UK, is set to begin operations shortly, further strengthening ties between the region and Europe.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to position Xinjiang as a key node in China's Belt and Road infrastructure projects. The direct flights are expected to reduce shipping times by up to 30% compared to existing routes, offering businesses in both regions faster access to cross-continental markets.
