Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has opened its first direct air cargo route to the Baltic Sea area, marking a significant milestone in regional trade connectivity. A Boeing 767 freighter carrying 51 tonnes of e-commerce goods completed its inaugural flight to Tallinn, Estonia, on Wednesday, slashing logistics costs and boosting cross-border commerce.
The weekly route operates with an 11-hour flight time and 30% increased cargo capacity compared to conventional aircraft. It primarily transports garments, daily necessities, and other light industrial products, creating a direct bridge between Chinese sellers and Northern European e-commerce platforms. "This route enhances consumer experiences in Northern Europe while supporting Chinese businesses," said Feng Liang of Xinjiang Wanshengtong Supply Chain Management.
Urumqi, Xinjiang's capital, now hosts 20 international cargo routes connecting to 20 global cities—12 of which serve European hubs. Customs data reveals explosive growth: 1,584 cargo flights processed at Urumqi Airport from January to April 2025, representing a 1,157% year-on-year surge, with cargo throughput hitting 26,000 tonnes.
Zhao Beijing, a customs official, emphasized the strategic importance: "These routes empower Xinjiang's cross-border e-commerce firms to expand globally, particularly for textiles and electronics exports. This aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative's vision for enhanced trade facilitation."
