Boeing 747-400F Opens Direct Air Corridor to United Kingdom
A Boeing 747-400F freighter operated by Central Longhao Airlines took off from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport on November 2, heading directly for East Midlands Airport in the United Kingdom, China News Service reported. The flight marks the official opening of a scheduled direct cargo route linking central China with a major British logistics hub, adding a new logistics corridor across Eurasia along the “Air Silk Road.”
The new air link establishes a direct connection into the core of the British parcel sorting and distribution network, aiming to cut transit times and reduce intermediate transfer costs for international shippers. Return flights on the route will carry European consumer goods back to Henan province, expanding import channels for local businesses.
Strategic Integration Into British Logistics Infrastructure
East Midlands Airport serves as a primary express air freight hub in the United Kingdom and houses the national distribution center for international logistics giant DHL. Situated in the heart of England, the airport provides immediate proximity to manufacturing and industrial centers in Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester. Cargo arriving at the airport can be sorted rapidly for distribution across the British Isles and broader European markets.
Central Longhao Scales Intercontinental Operations
Central Longhao Airlines, a subsidiary of Central Plains Aviation Group, operates as the sole home-based cargo carrier in Henan province. The airline has expanded its European route network in recent years, launching direct intercontinental cargo services from Zhengzhou to Frankfurt in Germany, Brussels and Liège in Belgium, and Budapest in Hungary.
The carrier’s independently operated routes to Budapest and Liège have recorded nearly 600 total flights, moving more than 70,000 tons of freight.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Zhengzhou-East Midlands Route
What aircraft type operates the Zhengzhou to East Midlands route?
Central Longhao Airlines uses a Boeing 747-400F full freighter for the direct service, providing large-capacity payload capability for industrial goods and e-commerce parcels.
Which cities and logistics hubs connect to the British airport terminal?
The destination airport sits near the cities of Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester, and also hosts the national UK hub for DHL, allowing fast forwarding across the entire British distribution network.
How much cargo has the airline moved on its other European routes?
The carrier’s self-operated routes to Budapest and Liège have accumulated nearly 600 flights, surpassing 70,000 tons in total freight and mail volume.
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