A cargo flight parks at Hangzhou International Airport. [Photo/Zhejiang Provincial Airport Group]

Zhejiang's first direct air cargo route to Central Asia launched on July 2, as a Boeing 767 freighter (flight C6622) departed from Hangzhou International Airport for Tashkent.

Operating twice weekly, the route delivers goods in just six hours and supports 50 metric tons per flight, boosting exports of Zhejiang-made products like apparel and daily goods while bringing back fresh produce from Uzbekistan.

This marks Hangzhou airport's second new cargo route this year. Supported by streamlined customs and inspection processes, cargo clearance time has been reduced to just one hour.

Despite global headwinds, Zhejiang's international air cargo volume rose 3.3 percent in the first half of 2025, even as the broader market declined by 4.8 percent. Hangzhou airport's international cargo throughput has surpassed 100,000 tons this year as of June 10. Overall, the province has handled 520,000 tons of air cargo, up 2.6 percent year-on-year.

Zhejiang now operates 53 international all-cargo routes, connecting to three continents. Recent expansions include new links to Tokyo, Miami, Dallas, and Ho Chi Minh City. Overseas logistics hubs in Vancouver and Budapest further enhance delivery speeds, enabling Zhejiang-made goods to reach North America in as little as 13 hours.

High-value exports like EV batteries and robotic systems are also growing, while new imports — such as Uzbek cherries and fresh produce — are enriching local markets. Signature agricultural products like Dongkui waxberries are being flown abroad under Zhejiang's rural vitalization strategy.

Looking ahead, Zhejiang plans to strengthen transcontinental freight links and increase its international cargo ratio to more than 30 percent by year's end.

The cargo for Tashkent is loaded onto the plane. [Photo/Zhejiang Provincial Airport Group]