The Hangzhou-Derby cargo flight route is launched. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A fully loaded cargo flight carrying 103 metric tons of cross-border e-commerce goods took off from Hangzhou International Airport at 7:32 am on Nov 23, heading to East Midlands Airport in Derby, the United Kingdom. This marks the official launch of the Hangzhou-Derby cargo flight route.

As Zhejiang's first direct cargo route to the UK and the airport's fifth new international cargo route this year, it opens a vital logistics channel between China and Europe, supporting the smooth delivery of goods from local e-commerce businesses to European markets.

Operated by UK-based One Air using a B747F aircraft, the route offers three weekly flights on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flights will primarily transport goods such as apparel, accessories, and household items.

Cross-border e-commerce has become a driving force behind Zhejiang's foreign trade growth. In the first three quarters of 2024, the province's cross-border e-commerce exports reached 258.14 billion yuan ($35.45 billion), up 23.9 percent year-on-year—outpacing the national growth rate and contributing 1.8 percentage points to Zhejiang's overall export growth.

Derby is a key logistics and transportation hub in the East Midlands region, playing a vital role in strengthening the connection between Chinese goods and European markets.

The Hangzhou-Derby cargo flight route is launched. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]