
Core Viewpoint - The establishment of Zhongtong Airlines marks a significant step for Zhongtong Express in expanding its logistics capabilities from ground to air, reflecting a shift in the express delivery industry's competitive focus towards building a complete service chain [1][4] Group 1: Company Developments - Zhongtong Airlines has been established with a registered capital of 600 million yuan, focusing on public air transport, road freight, and logistics services [1] - The company is fully owned by Zhongtong Express, indicating a strategic move to enhance its logistics network [1] - Other express companies, such as SF Airlines and JD Airlines, have also made significant advancements in the air freight sector, with SF Airlines expected to surpass one million tons in cargo volume in 2024 [1][2] Group 2: Industry Trends - The demand for air freight is increasing due to the rising requirements for logistics timeliness in cross-border trade, leading to a rapid expansion of international air cargo routes [2] - In the first five months of this year, 101 new international air cargo routes were opened in China, primarily targeting Asia and Europe [2] - Domestic logistics companies still face challenges in terms of fleet size, service capabilities, and integration compared to international counterparts [2] Group 3: Strategic Responses - Companies are adopting flexible strategies through partnerships to enhance their air transport capabilities, as seen with SF Airlines' collaboration with Etihad Airways [3] - The Chinese government supports the development of air logistics, aiming to establish a safe, efficient, and green air logistics system by 2025 [3] - The competitive landscape of the air cargo market is expected to evolve, with more players entering the field, driven by national policies [4]