SF Express, AIR ONE launch new China–UK freighter route

SF Express, Asia’s largest integrated logistics provider, has partnered with freighter operator AIR ONE to accelerate cross-border shipments between China and the United Kingdom.

Under the terms of the initial one-year charter agreement, four Boeing 747-400BDSF freighter services per week now connect the central China hub of Ezhou with East Midlands Airport (EMA), the UK’s primary cargo gateway in the Midlands region, enabling faster nationwide deliveries.

The new route forms part of SF’s strategic expansion in Europe and its broader global network growth. It streamlines Sino-UK cross-border transit times and supports the rising trade and logistics demand between China and the United Kingdom.

“We are honoured to have been chosen by SF, one of the world’s largest and most respected logistics companies, as their partner for this landmark route,” says Mark Middleton, Head of Charters at AIR ONE. “This agreement reflects SF’s trust in our operational standards and strategic access to the UK market. As the leading UK-based widebody freighter operator, our goal is to continue developing strong partnerships that support cross-border trade and create sustainable logistics bridges between Asia and Europe.”

The first flight operated on 2 November from Ezhou Huahu International Airport (EHU), marking the official launch of SF’s inaugural all-cargo route to the United Kingdom. The arrival of the fully loaded aircraft after its 16.5-hour flight marked the official launch of SF’s first all-cargo route to the United Kingdom. The new Ezhou-East Midlands cargo route not only fills the gap of direct air transport capacity from Ezhou to the UK but also significantly shortens the end-to-end cross-border logistics time between China and the UK to 4 days, providing an efficient and stable air channel for time-sensitive goods such as cross-border e-commerce, high-end manufacturing, and fresh cold chain products.

“The launch of the new route between Ezhou and the East Midlands is a crucial step in SF's global network deployment,” says Peter Huang, Head of International Air Freight Department, SF International Business Center. “Our in-depth partnership with AIR ONE not only shortens the delivery time of cross-border logistics between China and the UK to 4 days, but also empowers industries such as cross-border e-commerce, high-end manufacturing, and fresh cold chain with an efficient and stable airfreight channel. In the future, SF will continue to expand its international air network and provide more intelligent and sustainable logistics solutions for global trade.”

The launch of this new route reinforces AIR ONE’s strategic ambition to strengthen connectivity between the UK and Asia, positioning the group as a leading provider of widebody freighter capacity for China-bound markets and a key enabler of the UK’s global trade growth.