Ethiopian Cargo adds Brazil-China freighter flights

Ethiopian Airlines Cargo has launched a new freighter service connecting China and Brazil as it targets e-commerce demand.

The new B777 freighter service between Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport and Sao Paulo will initially operate every Friday but in March a Monday flight will be added.

The African carrier said that the all-cargo route will export from China a variety of cross-border e-commerce products, pharmaceutical products, high-tech products, integrated circuits and other high-value goods.

Meanwhile, imports into China will include seafood, fruits and other fresh products.

Ato Abel Alemul, chief cargo officer of Ethiopian Airlines, said: “We are pleased to witness the successful launch of Ethiopian Airlines Xiamen – Sao Paulo, Brazil all-cargo service.

“We have been serving the Chinese market since 1973 as Africa’s largest airline, and for the past 50 years, Ethiopian Airlines has not only provided air logistics services between China and Africa, but also provided regular passenger and cargo services to many countries and regions in South America, including Brazil, Argentina and Chile, with our own fleet and international route network with Addis Ababa Airport as our hub.”

The first flight took off from China on February 10 carrying 96.1 tons of cargo.

China is Brazil’s most important trading partner, accounting for 34% of Brazil’s total trade volume.