花湖国际机场新年开通雅典新航线 112条货运航线助力高端制造“出海”

Core Viewpoint - The opening of the "Ezhou-Athens" international cargo route marks a significant development for Huahu International Airport, enhancing its role as a key gateway for China's high-end manufacturing exports and expanding its international cargo network [1][2][3]. Group 1: New Route Launch - The "Ezhou-Athens" international cargo route officially opened on January 7, 2026, and is the first new route launched by Huahu International Airport this year [1][2]. - The route operates with a B777-200F freighter, scheduled for two flights per week, providing an annual air cargo capacity of 20,000 tons [2]. - Outbound cargo is primarily cross-border e-commerce goods, while inbound cargo includes fresh produce, auto parts, and milk powder from Greece, facilitating a mutual supply chain [2]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - Greece is a key partner in China's Belt and Road Initiative and an important investment destination in Southern Europe [2]. - The new route aims to establish a stable and efficient air cargo channel between China and Southern Europe, filling a gap in direct freighter capacity from Hubei to Greece [2]. - The opening of this route increases the number of European cities served by Huahu International Airport to 16 across 14 countries, enhancing its European route network [2]. Group 3: Cargo Network Expansion - Since the launch of its first international route in April 2023, Huahu International Airport has rapidly developed into a crucial hub for high-end manufacturing exports, with a total of 112 cargo routes opened, including 51 international and regional routes [3]. - By 2025, the airport is projected to handle over 11,000 international air-to-air transfer operations, with international transfer cargo volume exceeding 60,000 tons [3]. Group 4: Performance Metrics - In 2025, Huahu International Airport is expected to achieve a total cargo and mail throughput of 1.1457 million tons, with international and regional cargo volume reaching 496,000 tons, a year-on-year increase of 85.8% [4]. - The airport's hub cargo volume is projected to reach 1.4781 million tons in 2025, reflecting a 44.2% year-on-year growth, maintaining its position as the fifth largest in the country and the top in Central China [4]. Group 5: Infrastructure Development - The airport's international cargo handling capacity is set to increase to 1.4 million tons by 2026 with the completion of the new international cargo station [5]. - Innovative services have been introduced, such as the establishment of a pre-positioned cargo station in the East Lake High-tech Zone, allowing for seamless customs and security processes, significantly improving export efficiency for local enterprises [5].