Imagine specialty products from Central China arriving on shelves in Dhaka, Bangladesh within hours, while fresh Bangladeshi seafood swiftly reaches Chinese consumers. This is no longer a vision but a reality, thanks to the launch of YTO Airlines' "Changsha-Dhaka" route. On September 5, a Boeing 757-200F freighter fully loaded with cargo took off from Changsha Huanghua International Airport, marking the inaugural flight of YTO Airlines' first South Asia route and the airport's first regular international cargo service to the region.
A New Bridge Linking Central China and South Asia
The launch of this route represents more than just an expansion of YTO Airlines' operations—it is a significant step for Hunan Province in integrating into China's Belt and Road Initiative. Bangladesh, China's third-largest trade partner in South Asia, has seen growing trade exchanges with China. Dhaka, as the country's capital and economic hub, holds immense market potential. This air route will serve as an efficient and convenient bridge for bilateral trade between Central China and Bangladesh.
Cross-Border E-Commerce and Fresh Imports: Dual Drivers of Trade Growth
The export operations of YTO Airlines' "Changsha-Dhaka" route will primarily focus on China's booming cross-border e-commerce sector. As China's e-commerce market matures, more domestic products are entering global markets, with South Asia offering substantial growth opportunities. Meanwhile, the route's import business will emphasize seafood products, catering to Chinese consumers' demand for high-quality fresh goods. This two-way trade model is expected to boost economic exchanges between China and Bangladesh, creating mutual benefits.
YTO Airlines Expands Network: Building a "Hunan-South Asia" Trade Corridor
YTO Airlines aims to accelerate the development of Changsha's airport economic zone, establishing a "Hunan-South Asia" cross-border trade corridor to extend the Belt and Road Initiative's benefits to more regions. By constructing an efficient air cargo network, the airline will provide e-commerce businesses and traders with faster, more cost-effective logistics solutions, enhancing trade efficiency and regional economic growth.
Strengthening International Routes: YTO Express's Central China Hub Takes Shape
In line with parent company YTO Express's strategy to establish its Central China regional headquarters in Changsha, YTO Airlines plans to launch additional regular routes from Changsha to Manila and Ho Chi Minh City in September, further expanding its international network. These moves underscore YTO Express's commitment to the Changsha market and its confidence in Central China's development potential.
Su Xiufeng: Changsha as a Gateway to Global Markets
YTO Airlines Chairman Su Xiufeng stated that with the rapid rise of e-commerce in Central China, Changsha will become a key gateway for YTO Express and YTO Airlines to expand international routes and logistics services. He emphasized the company's capability to support cross-border e-commerce and retail partners in exploring overseas markets, extending collaboration across supply chain segments to achieve shared success. His remarks highlight YTO's strategic vision and Changsha's growing role in China's logistics landscape.
GBP Project: Deepening Client Partnerships
Su Xiufeng also revealed YTO Airlines' plans for the GBP (Global Business Partner) program, leveraging the company's integrated capabilities in aviation, express delivery, warehousing, and IT to enhance collaboration with key clients. The initiative aims to deliver new value and tailored solutions, reinforcing YTO's industry leadership.
YTO Airlines: A Growing Force in Air Cargo
As the wholly owned cargo airline of YTO Express, YTO Airlines has grown rapidly since its first flight in 2015. Its fleet now includes 12 freighters (5 B757-200F and 7 B737-300F), with plans to add B737-800BCF converted freighters. The airline's network spans major Chinese cities and Hong Kong, serving both YTO Express's domestic operations and third-party clients, particularly cross-border e-commerce businesses along the Belt and Road. With its expanding capacity, YTO Airlines is facilitating global trade and supporting Chinese enterprises' international expansion.