The UK flag carrier and one of the world's leading air cargo operators. From its global hub at London Heathrow it flies daily from Shanghai and Hong Kong in China, using the large belly holds of Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 widebodies to move cargo on schedule to the UK and to major markets worldwide.
Chinese-language service provider: Goodhope Logistics (China) Limited, handling booking, customs declaration and end-to-end logistics for international air freight, on routes from China to the United States and all major continents.
British Airways (IATA two-letter code:BA, ICAO three-letter code:BAW, call sign SPEEDBIRD) is the UK flag carrier, headquartered at Waterside beside London Heathrow Airport. The airline was formed on 31 March 1974 by the merger of BOAC and BEA, and its history reaches back to 1919, the beginning of commercial aviation, when its predecessor opened the world's first daily scheduled international service (London–Paris). A founding member of the oneworld alliance, British Airways today operates nearly 300 aircraft and is one of the most influential international airlines in Europe and worldwide.
In cargo, British Airways freight is managed by IAG Cargo under International Airlines Group (IAG). IAG was formed in 2011 by the merger of British Airways and Spain's Iberia, and IAG Cargo brought together BA World Cargo and Iberia Cargo to become a leading global air cargo business, generating about 5.27 billion cargo tonne-kilometres in 2025. IAG Cargo runs dual cargo hubs at London Heathrow (LHR) and Madrid (MAD) and moves freight on the global passenger networks of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling, serving more than 100 destinations in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
One point deserves emphasis: British Airways no longer has a freighter fleet of its own, and all cargo moves in widebody passenger bellies. With the large belly space of Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350 and A380 aircraft, plus professional handling at the Heathrow World Cargo Centre, IAG Cargo still handles international air freight from a few tonnes to several dozen tonnes, from ordinary e-commerce parcels to high-value temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals.
BA's ties with the Chinese market go back to the 1980s: it opened a Beijing route as early as 1980, among the first European carriers to serve mainland China, and later added Shanghai and Hong Kong, serving Chinese customers for more than forty years. For Chinese exporters, BA is not simply an airline that flies to the UK; it is an air bridge linking China with Europe, the United States, Africa, the Middle East and other global markets, since cargo is loaded once and can be distributed quickly from London.
| Airline | British Airways |
| Cargo operator | IAG Cargo (cargo division of International Airlines Group) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Global headquarters | Waterside, beside London Heathrow Airport |
| Founded | 31 March 1974 (history dating back to 1919) |
| Hub airport | London Heathrow LHR, Madrid MAD |
| IATA two-letter code | BA |
| ICAO three-letter code | BAW |
| Air waybill prefix | 125(AWB 125-XXXXXXXX) |
| Airline alliance | oneworld (founding member) |
| Official website | www.britishairways.com / www.iagcargo.com |
| China routes | Shanghai daily, Hong Kong daily; Beijing not yet restored |
| Freight model | Passenger belly capacity (no freighters of its own) |
The Boeing 777 and 787 and the Airbus A350 and A380 all have large belly holds; a single 777-300ER can carry about 20 tonnes of belly cargo, with high frequency and steady space.
London Heathrow and Madrid work as two cargo hubs, so cargo arriving from China connects quickly to markets across Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East.
The Heathrow World Cargo Centre has the Premia premium terminal and the Constant Climate temperature-controlled centre, providing professional ground handling and temperature control.
Through oneworld and joint business agreements with American Airlines (AA) and others, cargo from China via London connects easily to major US cities and destinations worldwide.
BA has no dedicated freighters, but passenger aircraft fly every day and every one has belly space, so frequency is high and coverage wide, which suits international air freight with tight timing and moderate volumes. Cargo loaded in Shanghai or Hong Kong reaches London in about 12 hours and connects worldwide through the Heathrow hub.
| Aircraft type | Number (approx.) | Cargo characteristics / main use |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 777-200ER | 43 aircraft | BA's most numerous widebody, with strong belly payload and the mainstay of intercontinental trunk cargo |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 16 aircraft | Stretched large aircraft with more belly volume, used on high-density routes such as New York and Los Angeles |
| Boeing 787-9 | 18 aircraft | Dreamliner with high fuel efficiency, used on medium and long routes such as Shanghai, with steady belly space |
| Boeing 787-8 | 12 aircraft | Standard Dreamliner for long-haul markets with a well-equipped cargo hold |
| Boeing 787-10 | 12 aircraft | The longest 787 version, with more passenger and cargo capacity |
| Airbus A350-1000 | 18 aircraft | BA's newest flagship widebody, used on routes such as Hong Kong, with Club Suite throughout business class |
| Airbus A380-800 | 12 aircraft | The world's largest passenger aircraft, with a double deck and large belly, suited to high-density trunk routes |
Note: these are approximate figures from public tallies (2026) and exclude short-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A320 family; the fleet changes with deliveries and retirements, so the airline's latest information applies.
| Freighter | None (belly capacity on passenger aircraft) |
| Main widebody types | Boeing 777 and 787, Airbus A350 and A380 |
| Total widebodies | About 131 (777/787/A350/A380) |
| Belly capacity per aircraft | About 20 tonnes on the 777-300ER, about 18 tonnes on the A350-1000 and similar |
| Flight frequency | Several hundred flights a day at London Heathrow, so cargo moves as soon as it is ready |
| Cargo hub | London Heathrow (World Cargo Centre), Madrid |
Per-aircraft belly figures are public reference values; actual available space depends on the flight load planning.
BA cargo rests on frequency: its capacity does not depend on freighters but on the many scheduled widebody flights every day. From China, belly space is available almost daily and transit is predictable; large consignments can be split across several flights.
The holds on the widebody fleet are fitted with standard ULD loading systems, and pallets, containers and outsized items all have established handling solutions. The Heathrow World Cargo Centre provides a complete chain from unloading and warehousing to security screening and transit, giving high-value and urgent cargo dependable support.
Besides the widebodies, BA operates new-generation narrowbodies such as the Airbus A320 and A321neo and Embraer E190 regional jets on intra-European and short-haul routes. These types do not carry intercontinental cargo, but they complete the London hub: cargo arriving from Shanghai and Hong Kong can be distributed to major European cities on these short flights and by road.
Schedule:Daily service
Flight:Outbound BA169 / return BA168
Reference times:Departs LHR 12:05, arrives PVG 07:55 the next day; departs PVG 11:00, arrives LHR 18:45 the same day
Aircraft:Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Schedule:Daily service
Flight:Outbound BA31 / return BA32
Reference times:Daily; check the airline's published times for exact departure and arrival
Aircraft:Airbus A350-1000
Status:Not yet restoredSuspended from 26 October 2024
Historical detail:The former Beijing Daxing route ran four times a week with the Boeing 777-200ER
BA had planned to restore the Beijing route in November 2025; it had not resumed when this material was compiled, and the airline's announcement governs. Cargo to Beijing can be booked with other carriers through us.
| Route | Flight number | Schedule (day of week) | Reference times | Aircraft type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London LHR to Shanghai PVG | BA169 | Daily | 12:05 to 07:55 the next day | Boeing 787 |
| Shanghai PVG to London LHR | BA168 | Daily | 11:00 to 18:45 the same day | Boeing 787 |
| London LHR to Hong Kong HKG | BA31 | Daily | Times as published by the airline | Airbus A350-1000 |
| Hong Kong HKG to London LHR | BA32 | Daily | Times as published by the airline | Airbus A350-1000 |
| London LHR to Beijing | — | Not yet restoredSuspended | — | — |
Note: the Shanghai reference times come from public flight information for the 2025/26 winter season and may change; confirm with the BA website or our customer service.
Shanghai and Hong Kong each have one flight a day, 14 nonstop flights to London a week in total, giving steady cargo space.
BA flies nonstop from Shanghai and Hong Kong to London, and after arrival at Heathrow the IAG Cargo global network and connecting flights carry cargo to these main markets:
For cargo from China to the United States: if a single direct flight is preferred, we can arrange nonstop China–US capacity with Delta, United and others; if the cargo suits transit through London, or needs to connect to the European market at the same time, the BA London connection is a mature and reliable option, completed on one 125 air waybill.
Daily nonstop flights from Shanghai and Hong Kong to London give continuous, steady space; the London–China sector takes about 12 hours, and cargo is loaded as it arrives and ships every day, so transit is predictable.
The London and Madrid hubs work together, so cargo reaching the UK connects quickly to countries across continental Europe; coverage is wide and this is one of the usual lanes for European e-commerce and trade cargo.
BA has a deep joint business with American Airlines (AA), so cargo from China transiting London connects to major US cities with dense flights and reliable connections on a single air waybill.
The Constant Climate pharmaceutical cold chain product is GDP certified and protects the 2-8°C and 15-25°C ranges; temperature-controlled centres operate at both Heathrow and Madrid, with about 100 stations worldwide, making it a dependable lane for high-value pharmaceuticals.
The Premia premium terminal at the Heathrow World Cargo Centre is designed for urgent and high-value cargo, with priority security screening, loading and transit handling; it suits e-commerce, electronics, aircraft parts and other urgent freight.
The IAG Cargo network covers more than 100 destinations worldwide, with established procedures for dangerous goods, live animals and perishables; a single 125 air waybill keeps the shipment traceable throughout.
| Shanghai office | IAG Cargo, Shanghai Pudong Airport cargo terminal Sales and booking: +86 21 2028 9990 Email pvg.iagc@iagcargo.com Address: Room 339B, Cargo Area, 168 Suhang Road, Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00 |
| Beijing office | IAG Cargo, Beijing Capital Airport Sales: +86 10 6456 3952 / +86 10 6456 3002 Email pek.iagc@iagcargo.com Address: Room 308, 3rd floor, East Pacific Business Centre, 1 Erjing Road, Capital Airport, Shunyi District, Beijing Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00 |
| BA customer service in China | 400-881-0207 (Beijing and Shanghai, Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00, closed on public holidays) |
| IAG Cargo global customer service | +44 8444 727 400 |
| Official website | www.iagcargo.com / www.britishairways.com |
| Air waybill prefix | 125 (AWB 125-XXXXXXXX) |
Designed for high-value temperature-controlled cargo such as medicines, vaccines and biological products, it protects two ranges, 2-8°C and 15-25°C, across about 100 GDP-certified stations worldwide, with temperature-controlled centres at both Heathrow and Madrid. Pharmaceutical ingredients, vaccines and diagnostic reagents exported from China are loaded in Shanghai or Hong Kong for London with temperature controlled and traceable throughout, a cold chain trusted by pharmaceutical customers.
The Heathrow World Cargo Centre has a Premia premium terminal that gives urgent and high-value cargo priority security screening, loading and transit handling; together with the Courier express product and the AOG aircraft-on-ground service, it is used for parts needed to keep an aircraft flying, precision instruments and high-value cargo with very tight deadlines. For cargo where time is money, this is one of BA's most competitive services.
A product for perishables such as fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood, using cold chain management and fast transit to protect quality and shelf life. Fruit, vegetables and food exported from China can fly from Shanghai and Hong Kong to London and be distributed quickly to European markets, giving fresh produce traders a steady air logistics solution.
IAG Cargo has established dangerous goods and live animal handling at hubs such as Heathrow and can carry special cargo that is properly declared. The Madrid hub is also an important lane for pharmaceutical shipments between East Asia and Latin America: from China via London or Madrid, temperature-controlled medicines and high-value cargo can reach South American markets. All special cargo needs advance declaration and documents, and we can complete the full set of formalities.
BA currently has no freighters of its own and all cargo moves in widebody passenger bellies. With about 131 widebodies and daily frequency, belly capacity is ample and steady; large consignments can be split across flights, and we plan the best loading arrangement for the customer.
Shanghai (daily) and Hong Kong (daily) are operating normally. The Beijing route has been suspended since 26 October 2024; the planned November 2025 resumption has not happened and the restart date follows the airline's announcement. For cargo to Beijing we can arrange carriage with other carriers.
Yes. Cargo transits London Heathrow and, using the BA joint network with American Airlines, connects to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and other major US cities on a single 125 air waybill. If the customer prefers a nonstop China–US flight, we can also arrange space with Delta, United and other airlines.
Use the IAG Cargo Constant Climate product, which protects the 2-8°C and 15-25°C ranges with GDP-certified facilities. Provide the temperature requirement, volume and planned shipping date at booking; we recommend enquiring and booking three to five working days ahead, and we arrange the cold chain channel.
Every shipment has an air waybill number beginning with 125, for example 125-XXXXXXXX, which can be checked on the IAG Cargo website or with its customer service. We also update customers at key points such as booking, departure, transit, arrival and clearance, so the move stays visible.
Yes. IAG Cargo offers the Constant Fresh product and has established handling for dangerous goods and live animals. Such cargo needs advance declaration, documents and confirmed space, so contact us for a quote and booking at least three to five working days ahead.
BA cargo uses widebody passenger bellies, so piece size and weight are limited by the hold door, ULD size and floor load. Oversized or overweight pieces need dimensions and weights submitted for assessment shipment by shipment. We calculate what the aircraft on the route can take and give a clear answer at booking, so cargo is not left at the terminal unable to load; the actual loading plan is subject to carrier confirmation on the day of booking.
Goodhope Logistics (China) Limited is based in Shenzhen, China, and specializes in international air freight from China to the United States and the world's major markets. We work closely with British Airways and IAG Cargo, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and other quality carriers to provide booking, declaration, air carriage, clearance and delivery as one service. Destinations cover major US cities and European trade hubs, and transport plans and quotes are available on request.
Disclaimer:Prepared by Goodhope Logistics (China) Limited (Goodhope Freight). Airline names, codes and brand marks mentioned here belong to their respective owners, and our company has no affiliation, agency or investment relationship with the airlines described. The information is compiled from public sources for reference only and does not form a contract of carriage or a commitment. Space, rates and schedules are subject to actual confirmation by the carrier or its authorized agent at the time of booking.