As of 2024, China’s civil aviation sector has reached its highest level in history in terms of cargo transportation. This year, there has been a significant growth in international air cargo transportation, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has developed various improvement plans to further enhance cargo transportation. This growth has been made possible by the successful implementation of policies aimed at reducing logistics costs and improving quality. China plans to integrate its strategies for international air cargo transportation with high-quality development to further strengthen its cargo transport sector.
From January to October 2024, a total of 7.3 million tons of cargo and mail were transported across China. This represents a 19.3% increase compared to the same period in 2019. International routes showed a significant increase, with 2.93 million tons of cargo being transported, marking an increase of 48.5%. These developments reflect the success of China’s investments and policies in air cargo transportation. Furthermore, international cargo flights continue at an average of 597 flights per day, with international flights increasing by 80.8%. Flights to regions such as Southeast Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, Europe, and America have seen increases of over 100% compared to 2019.
Market dynamics have also changed significantly. Chinese airlines, airports, cargo agencies, and e-commerce platforms are actively participating in the international logistics market to enhance their competitiveness. Chinese airlines, in the period from January to October 2024, held more than 41% of the market share in international routes. This represents a 5.7 percentage point increase compared to 2019, demonstrating the growing international competitiveness of Chinese companies in air cargo transportation.
With the transformation of industries, the deepening of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the rapid development of cross-border e-commerce and other new business models, China has seized significant opportunities in the air logistics sector. In the future, the CAAC will continue to develop various reforms and strategies to achieve its goals of reducing logistics costs and improving quality. These efforts will be supported by the implementation of specific action plans for air cargo transportation. Additionally, China will work to expand bilateral air cargo rights and develop flight networks. Through these steps, China aims to further enhance its competitive edge in international air cargo transportation.