Ethiopian’s new Chongqing frequency expands China’s Belt and Road initiative

Today, Ethiopian Airlines announced the addition of a weekly cargo flight from Chongqing (CKG), China to locations in Africa and South America. Beyond expanding the Ethiopian flag carrier’s network, the route also serves as an extension to China’s Belt and Road initiative. 

The new route, which Ethiopian Airlines began operating at the end of June, begins at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) before continuing on to Chongqing (CKG). After CKG, the route makes stops on three continents, in Delhi (DEL), Addis Ababa (ADD), Lagos (LOS), Sao Paulo (GRU), Quito (UIO) and Miami (MIA). Ethiopian Airlines operates the route with a 777-200F, which the carrier took delivery of on July 1, as reported by our sister site, Cargo Facts. 

The new route expands on Ethiopian Airlines’ recent cooperation agreement with Chongqing authorities in May, that established three new routes operated by the carrier from CKG.  

The decision also supports China continued efforts to cultivate its sprawling Belt and Road initiative. In support of the program, China has recently signed a slew of separate air transport agreements with Uruguay, Thailand, and the European Union. Individual Chinese airports are also maneuvering to attain advantageous positions in the development of the larger Belt and Road initiative through pursuit of their own agreements and infrastructure expansion plans.