
Comprehensive Summary of Important Information on Air Freight from China to Botswana
Air freight services from China to Botswana are mainly operated through core hubs such as Beijing Capital International Airport, with major airlines like Air China taking charge, relying on their global cargo networks covering African routes. Flights usually require transfers at European hubs, with an overall transit time of about 5-7 days. Some China-Europe rail-air combined transport solutions can keep the transit time within 7 days. Charter services can meet the needs of oversized cargo or urgent shipments, and freight rates are affected by factors such as cargo weight.
Airports Providing Air Freight Services from China to Botswana
China has numerous international airports that have become important starting points for air freight from China to Botswana due to their superior geographical locations and well-developed cargo facilities. The airports providing air freight services from China to Botswana include:
Airport |
City |
Province/SAR |
|
Beijing Capital International Airport |
PEK |
Beijing |
Beijing Municipality |
Shanghai Pudong International Airport |
PVG |
Shanghai |
Shanghai Municipality |
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport |
SZX |
Shenzhen |
Guangdong Province |
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport |
CAN |
Guangzhou |
Guangdong Province |
Hong Kong International Airport |
HKG |
Hong Kong |
Hong Kong SAR |
Tianjin Binhai International Airport |
TSN |
Tianjin |
Tianjin Municipality |
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) As one of the busiest international airports in China, Beijing Capital International Airport has advanced cargo facilities, including Air China Cargo and multiple air cargo terminals. These facilities can efficiently handle various types of goods, especially refrigerated and fresh cargo, ensuring the quality and safety of goods during transportation. The airport provides comprehensive cargo services to support air freight from China to Botswana, ensuring that goods can reach their destination safely and on time through efficient logistics networks and strict security measures.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) The cargo terminal operated by Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. (PACTL) is the largest single cargo terminal in Asia, with an annual designed cargo handling capacity of up to 1.2 million tons. The terminal is equipped with advanced cargo handling facilities and air defense and fire-fighting supporting facilities, capable of meeting the handling needs of all air cargo, including refrigerated and fresh goods, and valuable items. In addition, Pudong Airport also provides cargo services to Botswana, ensuring that goods can be cleared quickly and transported smoothly to Botswana through optimized customs clearance procedures and efficient logistics networks.
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport has perfect cargo services, especially a direct air freight route to Gaborone, Botswana, which can provide door-to-door delivery services. There are multiple international freight forwarding companies near the airport, which have rich experience in international logistics and can provide one-stop logistics services, including international air freight, customs declaration, and clearance. Through these services, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport ensures that goods can reach Botswana smoothly and efficiently.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport provides international air freight services to Botswana. The airport cooperates with many airlines and has booking and customs declaration rights, which can provide customers with convenient and efficient cargo services. In addition, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has a well-developed cargo network and can provide one-stop services such as DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid), DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), and door-to-door delivery abroad to meet customers' diverse needs.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest cargo airports in the world, with efficient customs clearance procedures and rich air cargo resources. The airport has a comprehensive electronic data communication service to help air cargo operators connect with the Hong Kong Customs, thereby speeding up the customs clearance process. In addition, Hong Kong International Airport has set up multiple air cargo pickup and delivery points in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which has improved the efficiency of cargo transportation through Hong Kong and strengthened Hong Kong International Airport's role as a major integrator of the supply chain in the Chinese mainland. These advantages make Hong Kong International Airport an important hub for air freight from China to Botswana.
Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) Tianjin Binhai International Airport has perfect cargo facilities, including multiple logistics companies and cargo companies. These facilities can provide comprehensive cargo services to support air freight from China to Botswana. The airport ensures that goods can reach Botswana safely and on time through efficient logistics networks and advanced cargo handling facilities. At the same time, Tianjin Binhai International Airport is continuously optimizing cargo procedures and improving service quality to meet customers' growing cargo needs.
The main cargo airports in Botswana include:
Airport |
City |
Overview |
|
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport |
GBE |
Gaborone |
The busiest and most important air cargo hub in Botswana, equipped with modern cargo handling facilities, including efficient cargo sorting, warehousing, and customs clearance service systems, which can quickly process domestic and international goods and realize cargo distribution through a sound ground transportation network. |
Airlines Operating Air Freight Flights from China to Botswana
In the field of international air cargo, many airlines undertake air freight tasks from China to Botswana with their rich experience and professional services. The main airlines operating air freight flights from China to Botswana are as follows:
Airline |
Key Focus of Cargo Business |
Characteristics of Cargo Transportation from China to Botswana |
|
Air China |
CA |
A major Chinese airline with a global cargo network |
Provides cargo services departing from Beijing (PEK) or Shanghai (PVG), possibly with transfers in Addis Ababa or Doha |
China Southern Airlines |
CZ |
A large Chinese airline with gradually expanding African routes |
Transfers through Johannesburg (JNB) to Botswana via the Guangzhou (CAN) hub, suitable for transporting bulk cargo |
Cathay Pacific |
CX |
Based in Hong Kong, an important cargo airline in Asia |
Provides transfer services via Hong Kong (HKG) with dense cargo flights, suitable for goods with high 时效 requirements (time-sensitive goods) |
South African Airways |
SA |
Global air freight services covering general cargo, perishable goods, express mail, etc. |
Goods departing from China can transfer to Botswana via Johannesburg (JNB), with a dense African route network, providing flexible transportation solutions and ground support |
Emirates |
EK |
Based in Dubai, with a large cargo fleet and strong special cargo transportation capabilities |
Transfers to Africa via Dubai (DXB), providing professional transportation solutions for temperature-controlled goods and dangerous goods |
Kenya Airways |
KQ |
A regional cargo expert in Africa with its hub in Nairobi, capable of transporting general goods and fresh perishable goods |
Transfers to Botswana via Nairobi (NBO), suitable for combined transportation of goods in East and Southern Africa |
Turkish Airlines |
TK |
Global cargo network with transfers at the Istanbul hub |
Provides transfer services via Istanbul (IST), suitable for high-value goods, covering multiple destinations in Africa |
Etihad Airways |
EY |
Based in Abu Dhabi, with strong special cargo transportation capabilities |
Transfers to Africa via Abu Dhabi (AUH), suitable for temperature-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals and fresh produce |
Air France |
AF |
Cargo services cover the world, with an extensive route network in Europe, capable of providing professional temperature-controlled cargo transportation and other special services |
Goods departing from China transfer to Botswana via Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, relying on its influence in Europe to provide rich transfer options and efficient transportation within Europe |
Lufthansa |
LH |
A European cargo hub with strong transfer capabilities in Frankfurt |
Provides transfer services via Frankfurt (FRA), suitable for high-value goods and precision instruments |
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines |
KL |
Has a perfect global cargo network, focuses on the transportation of special goods such as cold chain transportation, and holds a significant position in the European cargo market |
Usually transfers in Amsterdam, with mature processes in cargo transfer connection and ground operations, conducive to the rapid transportation of goods to Botswana |
Korean Air |
KE |
Routes cover major cities around the world, with rich experience in transporting high-end goods such as electronic products and precision instruments |
Goods departing from China can transfer to Botswana via Incheon Airport in South Korea, and can provide more convenient transfer options by virtue of Incheon Airport's status as an aviation hub |
Singapore Airlines |
SQ |
Based in Singapore, with a perfect global cargo network |
Transfers to Africa via Singapore (SIN), providing professional transportation solutions for temperature-controlled goods and dangerous goods |
Time Consumption of Air Freight from China to Botswana
Currently, there are no direct cargo flights from China to Botswana. The following is an analysis of the time consumption of air freight from China to Botswana in all aspects:
1. Connecting Flights
- Transfer via Addis Ababa: Total flight time is approximately 15-18 hours (excluding transit time)
- Transfer via Johannesburg: Total flight time is approximately 15-18 hours (excluding transit time)
- Transfer via Dubai: Total flight time is approximately 16-18 hours (excluding transit time)
2. Customs Clearance Time
The customs clearance efficiency in Botswana is average. Under normal circumstances, the customs clearance time is 1-3 working days. If the cargo documents are complete and comply with regulations, the customs clearance will be relatively smooth. However, if the cargo needs to be inspected or there are problems with the documents, the customs clearance time may be extended to 5-7 working days or even longer.
3. Impact of Special Circumstances
- Weather factors: Severe weather such as rainstorms, blizzards, and heavy fog at the departure or destination may cause flight delays, ranging from a few hours to a day or more.
- Air traffic control: Air traffic congestion, military activities, and other air traffic control situations may also occur, which will extend the flight's waiting time for takeoff or transit, with the specific delay time varying.
- Mechanical failures: Mechanical failures of aircraft that require maintenance will cause flight delays, and the maintenance time depends on the severity of the failure, which may range from a few hours to several days.
4. Summary of Overall Time Consumption
Without considering special circumstances, the overall time consumption for air freight from China to Botswana via connecting flights, including flight time and customs clearance time, is approximately 3-6 days. However, in case of special circumstances such as flight delays or customs clearance obstacles, the overall time consumption may be extended to 7-10 days or even longer.
Charter Flights for Air Freight from China to Botswana
For some special needs or large cargo transportation, charter services have become an efficient choice. Charter flights for air freight from China to Botswana provide more flexible transportation solutions. The following are some reference charter flights:
Departure Airport |
Destination Airport |
Operating Airline |
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) |
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) |
China Southern Airlines (CZ), Shenzhen Airlines (ZH), South African Airways (SA), Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Singapore Airlines (SQ), Air Mauritius (MK) |
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) |
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) |
Air China (CA), Air Botswana (BP), Ethiopian Airlines (ET) |
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) |
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) |
Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Kenya Airways (KQ), Qatar Airways (QR), Air Mauritius (MK) |
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) |
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) |
Cathay Pacific (CX), South African Airways (SA), Ethiopian Airlines (ET) |
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) |
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) |
Air China (CA), Ethiopian Airlines (ET) |
Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC) |
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), Gaborone |
Xiamen Airlines (MF) |
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Characteristics: The largest aviation hub in East China with a dense route network
- Recommendations: Suitable for cargo owners in East China. China Southern Airlines and Singapore Airlines provide stable cargo services, and Ethiopian Airlines has high transfer efficiency.
- Main operators: 6 airlines such as CZ/SA/ET/SQ
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
- Characteristics: An important cargo airport in the Pearl River Delta with a concentrated electronics industry
- Recommendations: Suitable for transporting high-value electronic products. CA and ET provide more flexible charter solutions.
- Main operators: 3 airlines such as CA/BP/ET
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Characteristics: The largest cargo hub in South China with rich African routes
- Recommendations: The first choice for bulk cargo. ET and QR provide professional cargo services.
- Main operators: 4 airlines such as ET/KQ/QR/MK
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
- Characteristics: An international cargo hub with high flight frequency
- Recommendations: Preferred for goods with high efficiency requirements. CX and SA provide professional services.
- Main operators: 3 airlines such as CX/SA/ET
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- Characteristics: A major hub in North China with a wide coverage of routes
- Recommendations: Convenient for cargo owners in northern regions. CA provides direct services.
- Main operators: 2 airlines such as CA/ET
Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC)
- Characteristics: A rising cargo airport and the base of Xiamen Airlines
- Recommendations: Considered for cargo sources in Fujian. MF provides special charters.
- Main operator: MF
Notes:
- Ethiopian Airlines (ET) provides services at major airports and is a major player on African routes.
- Special goods such as dangerous goods require separate qualification confirmation.
- It is recommended to comprehensively select the departure airport based on cargo volume, time efficiency, and cost.
Air Freight Prices from China to Botswana
The air freight prices from China to Botswana vary due to many factors, including the weight and volume of the goods, the transportation distance, and the service type. The following table is a reference for air freight prices from China to Botswana:
Departure |
Destination |
Carrier |
Frequency |
Air Cargo Price ($/kg) |
Transit |
||||
45KG+ |
100KG+ |
300KG+ |
500KG+ |
1000KG+ |
|||||
PVG |
GBE |
ET |
DAILY |
8.23 |
7.88 |
7.54 |
7.27 |
7.13 |
ADD |
CAN |
GBE |
ET |
D2467 |
8.81 |
7.75 |
7.45 |
7.03 |
6.90 |
ADD |
EHU |
GBE |
ET |
D47 |
8.46 |
7.23 |
7.02 |
6.61 |
6.47 |
ADD |
CSX |
GBE |
ET |
D235 |
9.00 |
7.61 |
7.37 |
6.95 |
6.82 |
ADD |
HKG |
GBE |
ET |
D124567 |
9.28 |
8.12 |
7.41 |
7.18 |
7.03 |
ADD |
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Price range: $7.13-8.23/kg
- Characteristics: The core hub in East China, with daily flights by ET.
- Recommendations: Suitable for stable shipping needs, with obvious price advantages for 500kg+.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Price range: $6.90-8.81/kg
- Characteristics: The cargo center in South China, with 4 flights per week.
- Recommendations: The best price for 300kg+, suitable for cargo sources in the Pearl River Delta.
Ezhou Huahu Airport (EHU)
- Price range: $6.47-8.46/kg
- Characteristics: A professional cargo airport with emerging routes.
- Recommendations: The lowest price for large cargo volumes (1000kg+), but with fewer flights.
Changsha Huanghua Airport (CSX)
- Price range: $6.82-9.00/kg
- Characteristics: A hub in the central region.
- Recommendations: Suitable for cargo sources around Hunan, with high cost performance for 500kg+.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
- Price range: $7.03-9.28/kg
- Characteristics: An international cargo hub with 6 flights per week.
- Recommendations: The first choice for goods with high 时效 requirements (time-sensitive goods) or special goods.
Analysis of Price Patterns:
- All routes transfer via Addis Ababa (ADD).
- The unit price is lower for larger cargo volumes, with a 15-25% saving for 1000kg+ compared to 45kg.
- Ezhou (EHU) has the best price for large cargo volumes, while Hong Kong (HKG) is the most expensive for small cargo volumes.
- Price differences are mainly affected by ground operation costs and route density.
Latest 2025 Air Freight Prices from Major Chinese Cities to Botswana
Departure Airport |
Price Range ($/kg) |
Remarks |
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) |
$7.03 - $9.28 |
As an international cargo hub with high flight frequency, it is suitable for time-sensitive goods with high efficiency requirements. |
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) |
$7.13 - $8.23 |
As the core hub in East China, it has significant price advantages for large cargo volumes (500kg+). |
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) |
$6.90 - $8.81 |
As the cargo center in South China, it offers the best prices for shipments of 300kg and above. |
Ezhou Huahu Airport (EHU) |
$6.47 - $8.46 |
As a professional cargo airport, it has the lowest prices for shipments of 1000kg and above, but with fewer flights. |
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) |
$7.27 - $8.23 |
As a major hub in North China, it is suitable for cargo sources in northern regions. |
Changsha Huanghua Airport (CSX) |
$6.82 - $9.00 |
As a hub in the central region, it offers high cost-effectiveness for shipments of 500kg and above. |