Qantas Freight launches Chongqing route

Qantas Freight Enterprises Executive Manager Lisa Brock said Chongqing — home to many of the world’s top technology manufacturers — offers Qantas vast trade opportunities. Chongqing has also distinguished itself as a key player in the automotive sector recently, boasting numerous production facilities for motorcycles and machinery.

Brock expects to address these sectors with the new route, as well as improve Qantas’ connectivity in Southwest China. “This service also strengthens Qantas Freight Enterprises’ freighter program by improving aircraft utilization and adding network reach across mainland China,” Brock said in a statement.

“With the addition of Chongqing, Qantas Freight Enterprises will market freight capacity to nine ports in mainland China, including Shanghai, Gulin, Haikou, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Shantou, Guangzhou and Beijing,” Brock added.

Air China Cargo is also looking to expand in its homeland. The all-freight subsidiary of flag carrier Air China recently obtained approval to haul cargo from Shanghai to Chennai, India, and aims to fly the route thrice-weekly.

“We plan to combine it with Chongqing,” Titus Diu, Air China Cargo’s COO, said in a statement. The up-and-coming destination in China’s interior will be served on the return leg from India to Shanghai. “We can carry cargo from India, plus we can feed traffic from Chongqing to our intercontinental departures out of Shanghai,” Diu said.