Operating from the Zurich and Geneva dual hub, Swiss WorldCargo runs a belly cargo system covering more than 130 destinations worldwide to Swiss precision standards. As a member of the Lufthansa Group and of Star Alliance, SWISS gives Chinese exports to Europe, North America and other markets a high-standard, time-critical air freight connection.
Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. is the national airline of Switzerland, headquartered in Kloten, Zurich, with its registered address at Obstgartenstrasse 25, 8302 Kloten, Switzerland. It was formed in 2002 from the merger of the former Swissair and Crossair, inheriting Crossair's IATA code LX and ICAO code SWR together with Swissair's operating authority and international network.
Swiss WorldCargo is the cargo brand of Swiss International Air Lines, also founded in 2002, and manages all of SWISS air cargo business. SWISS operates a modern fleet of 92 aircraft covering the A220, A320 family, A330, A340, A350 and B777-300ER. All cargo moves in passenger belly holds, as SWISS operates no dedicated freighters. That model ties cargo capacity closely to the passenger timetable and gives efficient connections at the Zurich hub.
As a member of the Lufthansa Group and of Star Alliance, SWISS has a close strategic partnership with Lufthansa Cargo. In December 2025 the two tightened the framework further, so the SWISS cargo network can draw on Lufthansa Cargo freighter resources (B777F, A321F) to extend its global reach considerably. From August 2025 SWISS joined the transatlantic joint venture between Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo, strengthening cargo connections to North America.
As of December 2025 SWISS employs 9,603 people. The company has branches in Geneva (29-31, route de l'Aéroport, 1215 Genève 15) and Basel (Flughafenstrasse, 4002 Basel). Cargo bookings are handled centrally by the Zurich head office, and the website is swissworldcargo.com.
For Chinese shippers the core value of SWISS is the nonstop link between China and Europe and the consolidation capability at the Zurich hub. Shanghai Pudong and Hong Kong fly daily nonstop to Zurich, so Chinese exports reach Europe in the belly and extend from one Zurich transit to more than 130 destinations worldwide; Lufthansa Group freighter resources add capacity for large Chinese lots. Dealing with the network through a freight forwarder gives access to its booking, temperature control, urgent and compliance services, forming a complete plan from the Chinese gateway to the destination.
| Full name | Swiss International Air Lines |
| Cargo brand | Swiss WorldCargo |
| IATA / ICAO | LX / SWR |
| AWB prefix | 724 |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Head office | Kloten, Zurich |
| Fleet size | 92 passenger aircraft |
| Freight model | belly cargo only |
| Parent group | Lufthansa Group |
| Alliance | Star Alliance |
| Employees | 9,603 staff |
| Official website | swissworldcargo.com |
Swiss WorldCargo has no publicly listed cargo office of its own in mainland China. For cargo booking and business enquiries from China, contact SWISS's authorised local sales agents, or ask Goodhope Logistics (China) Limited (Goodhope Freight) to arrange it. Goodhope Freight acts as the freight forwarding intermediary, helping the customer with booking, document preparation, customs coordination and shipment tracking.
The contacts below are for the SWISS cargo department at the Zurich head office. Bookings, enquiries and special cargo requests for shipments from China can all be discussed directly with head office through these channels.
All products:
+41 848 80 20 00
Valuables line:
+41 848 80 30 00
Cargo marketing and communications:
cargo.communications@swiss.com
Swiss cargo booking:
cargo.switzerland@swiss.com
Fax:
+41 44 564 55 01
Head office phone:
+41 44 564 42 58
Swiss WorldCargo capacity is entirely in passenger belly holds. As of March 2026 the SWISS fleet is 92 passenger aircraft, with wet-lease partners Helvetic Airways (14 Embraer E-Jet), Air Baltic (5 A220-300) and Edelweiss Air (1 A320) adding capacity. The core belly parameters for each type are listed below for booking reference. Actual cargo carried depends on sector length, fuel load and seasonal limits, and the flight of the day applies.
For cargo originating in China, the types flying Shanghai Pudong and Hong Kong to Zurich are the A330-300 and B777-300ER, with about 19 to 22 tonnes of belly cargo per flight, which is the core capacity toward China. Narrowbodies such as the A220 and A320 family handle cargo consolidation on European and regional sectors, and the distribution of Chinese cargo after arrival in Zurich is handled by that fleet. When booking, a shipper can match the type to the destination market and confirm belly capacity in advance.
| Aircraft type | Number | Belly payload | Range (km) | Hold configuration | Temperature-controlled hold | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A220-100 | 9 | about 3 tonnes | 3,400 | Loose-loaded belly capacity | — | the main type on short European routes |
| A220-300 | 21 | about 5 tonnes | 4,800 | Loose-loaded belly capacity | — | European and near and Middle East routes, the largest single type in the fleet |
| A320 | 6 | About 2.4 tonnes | 6,100 | Loose-loaded belly capacity | — | European mainlines |
| A320neo | 11 | About 2.4 tonnes | 6,300 | Loose-loaded belly capacity | — | new-generation efficient type, about 15 percent lower fuel burn |
| A321 | 6 | About 2.8 tonnes | 6,300 | Loose-loaded belly capacity | — | European and Mediterranean routes |
| A321neo | 7 | About 2.8 tonnes | 6,500 | Loose-loaded belly capacity | — | long-range narrowbody, able to fly transatlantic routes |
| A330-300 | 14 | about 19 tonnes | 11,750 | 5 positions | Available | the main type on China routes (PVG/HKG–ZRH) |
| A340-300 | 4 | about 22 tonnes | 13,350 | 5 positions plus a secure safe | Available | long-haul heavy routes, with the safe taking valuables |
| A350-900 | 2 | about 20 tonnes | 15,000 | multiple positions | Available | the newest type in the fleet, with the best fuel efficiency |
| B777-300ER | 12 | largest (10 LD3) | 14,690 | 10 LD3 ULD positions | Available | Largest belly payload, the main type on China routes |
Wet-leased capacity (14 E-Jet aircraft from Helvetic Airways, 5 A220-300 from Air Baltic, 1 A320 from Edelweiss Air) mainly serves short-haul European routes. Cargo space is small and suits lightweight intra-European transfers. Cargo originating in China normally flies on SWISS widebody aircraft.
SWISS currently operates scheduled passenger flights in mainland China and Hong Kong, with belly cargo available on the same flights. Zurich (ZRH) is the entry and exit hub for more than 95% of cargo, and cargo from China is transhipped at Zurich before distribution to destinations worldwide.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Zurich (ZRH) is SWISS's core cargo corridor in mainland China. One round trip a day on widebody aircraft, with about 19 to 22 tonnes of belly payload per flight. After arrival in Zurich, cargo can be transhipped and distributed within 2 to 4 hours onto services to major European cities, North America, Africa and South America.
Main connecting destinations: Zurich (nonstop), London, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Madrid, New York, Chicago, Johannesburg, Sao Paulo and others. The Lufthansa Group network covers more than 130 destinations.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Zurich (ZRH) runs one round trip daily with the A330-300, about 19 tonnes of belly payload per flight. As a free port, Hong Kong has a clear consolidation advantage in high-end manufacturing, electronic components, watches and jewellery, and pharmaceutical exports.
Exports from South China (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan) can be trucked across the border to Hong Kong airport in about 2 to 4 hours. Export declaration for this corridor is completed in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong rules of origin apply.
The Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Zurich route was previously operated as a weekly scheduled service by SWISS together with its affiliate Edelweiss Air. Operating status of the route is confirmed on the day of booking. Cargo originating in Beijing can connect through the Shanghai Pudong flight or code-share services.
Nonstop flying time from China to Zurich is about 11 to 13 hours. From loading to pickup in Zurich, transit time is usually 3 to 8 working days, depending on consolidation time at origin, customs efficiency and clearance speed in Zurich. Urgent shipments can use the X-Presso service, which completes transfer within 60 to 120 minutes of arrival in Zurich.
Cargo from China flies nonstop to Zurich from Shanghai Pudong or Hong Kong, makes one connection at the hub, and continues to major markets on SWISS routes, the Star Alliance network and Lufthansa Group freighter capacity.
After transhipment in Zurich, Chinese cargo reaches London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Vienna, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Warsaw and other major cities. Intra-European transfer usually takes less than 24 hours, which suits distribution of Chinese electronics, machinery and consumer goods in the European market.
From Zurich, Chinese cargo connects to North American hubs including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Miami and Toronto. Since August 2025, when SWISS joined the transatlantic joint business with Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo, capacity guarantees and routing options from China to North America have been better secured.
Chinese cargo tranships at Zurich to South American cities including Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Bogota, Lima and Santiago, and SWISS operates its own Zurich to Sao Paulo route. Perishables, flowers and high-value industrial goods from China can be shipped under temperature-controlled arrangements.
Chinese cargo tranships at Zurich to African cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Cairo and Lusaka. SWISS has served Africa for decades, and live animals, minerals and agricultural products moving between China and Africa can draw on that network experience.
Middle East hub cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh connect on daily Zurich services. Chinese electronics, machinery and high-value industrial goods reach Middle East markets this way, and SWISS Valuables covers high-value shipments between China and the Middle East.
Beyond Shanghai Pudong and Hong Kong, SWISS Asian routes cover Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul and Delhi. Chinese cargo connects with Asian markets in both directions through Zurich, and cargo between China and other Asian markets can also reach Europe over the same hub.
The value Swiss WorldCargo offers Chinese shippers begins with stable mainline capacity out of China. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) both have daily nonstop scheduled flights to Zurich (ZRH) with steady belly capacity, so East China and South China cargo can each use the nearest gateway. Shenzhen cargo reaches Hong Kong airport by road in about 2 to 4 hours, completing a South China export corridor.
On transit time, cargo from China on the nonstop flight has a flying time of about 11 to 12 hours from Shanghai to Zurich and is usually available for pickup 3 to 5 working days after handover. Shipments via Hong Kong take about 4 to 6 working days overall, giving stable arrival performance in the European market for shippers with fixed delivery deadlines.
For pharmaceutical cold chain, SWISS holds IATA CEIV Pharma certification (continuously certified from 2018 to 2024) and is an important carrier for Chinese exports of APIs, finished drugs, biologics and medical devices to Europe. The Zurich hub has chilled, constant-temperature and frozen zones, and together with the Celsius Active and Celsius Passive solutions it keeps the cold chain unbroken for Chinese pharmaceutical cargo.
On connections, the Zurich hub handles more than 95% of inbound, outbound and transit cargo. Chinese cargo makes one connection in Zurich and continues over the Star Alliance network and the Lufthansa Group freighter network to more than 130 destinations in Europe, North America, South America and Africa.
For urgent freight, X-Presso commits to transfer within 60 to 120 minutes of arrival in Zurich. It suits emergency line replenishment for Chinese factories, samples, exhibition materials and medical relief supplies.
On compliance and quality, SWISS also holds EMAS environmental management certification and DHL green carrier certification, and offers the Green Choice sustainable aviation fuel and carbon offset program, which gives Chinese exporters with ESG requirements or carbon neutrality targets a quantifiable route to lower emissions.
Swiss WorldCargo runs dedicated cargo services for Chinese export scenarios, each with its own handling procedures and facility support. Chinese shippers can export through Shanghai or Hong Kong and complete transhipment and final handling at the Zurich hub.
The healthcare service covers Chinese exports of APIs, finished drugs, biologics, vaccines and medical devices and holds IATA CEIV Pharma certification (continuously certified from 2018 to 2024). After handover in Shanghai or Hong Kong, pharmaceutical cargo is managed under GDP-compliant temperature control throughout, and the Zurich hub has dedicated pharmaceutical cold rooms and handling areas so the cold chain for Chinese drug exports stays continuous.
The valuables service covers Chinese exports of gold, diamonds, jewellery, precision instruments, high-value electronics and confidential documents, with security standards beyond IATA requirements. Hong Kong has mature consolidation capability for precious metals and jewellery, the A340-300 has a built-in Safe Locker, and Zurich has a separate valuables strongroom. The whole chain is controlled to TAPA FSR A security standards (certified through a partner) and covers pickup in China, carriage and delivery.
The perishables service covers Chinese exports of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, frozen food and flowers, which have strict temperature and transit time requirements. Zurich cold storage spans -20°C to +25°C, and Celsius Active temperature-controlled containers hold the set temperature throughout the flight. Priority loading and unloading protects the condition of Chinese perishables on arrival.
The live animals service covers Chinese exports of laboratory animals, ornamental fish, livestock and pets. The Zurich hub has dedicated animal rooms with temperature control, ventilation and watering. Handling follows the IATA Live Animals Regulations and the requirements of the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office. Shippers must declare species and quarantine documents at booking so that suitable capacity and connections can be arranged.
For time-critical shipments from China, cargo is unloaded, transferred and reloaded within 60 to 120 minutes of arrival in Zurich. It suits urgent production parts for Chinese factories, medical relief supplies, exhibition items and business documents with hard time windows, and X-Presso gives priority handling and real-time status updates throughout.
The dangerous goods service follows the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and accepts categories common in Chinese exports that are permitted on passenger aircraft, such as lithium batteries (UN3481), chemical samples, refrigerants and aerosols. Staff hold DGR qualifications, both Shanghai and Hong Kong accept such cargo, and the Zurich hub has dedicated DG storage and emergency response capability.
The fragile and precision cargo service covers Chinese exports of highly sensitive electronic components, optical equipment and semiconductor wafers, which react badly to vibration, temperature swings and humidity. A CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) process handles complaints and drives continuous improvement, and customised protection is used throughout to reduce the risk of physical damage in transit.
Green Choice gives Chinese exporters with ESG requirements or carbon neutrality targets a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) purchasing option and carbon offset program to help meet supply chain emission targets. Direct Delivery moves cargo from origin in China straight to the final consignee with fewer handlings, which suits high-value or time-sensitive freight. Active Tracking Devices provide real-time location and temperature data throughout the journey.
The cargo centre at Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the core node of the Swiss WorldCargo global network and the transit gateway for Chinese cargo entering Europe and other markets, handling more than 95% of inbound, outbound and transit cargo. Chinese shipments are temperature controlled, secured, sorted and onward loaded here.
| Chilled zone (+2°C to +8°C) | 500 m² |
| Constant-temperature zone (+15°C to +25°C) | 800 m² |
| Frozen zone (-20°C) | 50 m² |
| Combined temperature zone (+2°C to +25°C) | 1,300 m² |
Cold storage covers more than 2,650 square metres and every temperature band from deep frozen to ambient.
For Chinese shippers these facilities protect the quality of Chinese exports in transit at Zurich: pharmaceutical cold chain, valuables security, perishable temperature control and dangerous goods handling all take place here, and transhipment and distribution within 2 to 4 hours of arrival reduces handling risk and dwell time on the European side.
Swiss WorldCargo does not provide a direct booking desk for shippers in China. Cargo bookings on SWISS flights from China are made through the following channels:
Contact a passenger sales agent or freight forwarder authorised by SWISS in China, which submits the booking request to the Zurich head office. The agent helps prepare the air waybill, confirm capacity and prepare documents.
At the origin airport, hand the cargo to a GHA (Ground Handling Agent) for loading in the belly of the SWISS flight. The GHA receives, weighs, screens, palletises and loads the cargo. The shipper completes export declaration.
Goodhope Logistics (China) Limited (Goodhope Freight) provides one-stop booking on SWISS flights, covering capacity requests, air waybill preparation, export declaration, airport handover, connections at Zurich and clearance assistance at destination.
The rates below are public market references. Actual rates depend on weight, volume, commodity, season and market supply and demand, and the quote on the day of booking applies.
| Origin | Destination | Reference rate (USD/kg) | Indicative transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong PVG | Zurich ZRH | 4.00 – 8.20 | 3–8 days |
| Guangzhou CAN | Zurich ZRH | 4.30 – 8.50 | 3–8 days |
| Shenzhen SZX | Zurich ZRH | 4.20 – 8.60 | 3–8 days |
| Beijing PEK | Zurich ZRH | 4.30 – 8.20 | 3–8 days |
| Chengdu CTU | Zurich ZRH | 4.20 – 8.30 | 3–8 days |
Rates above are for reference only and exclude the fuel surcharge (FSC), security surcharge (SSC) and ground handling charges. Actual charges are as stated in the booking confirmation. The minimum chargeable weight is usually 45 kg.
SWISS does not operate freighters; all cargo moves in passenger aircraft bellies. Cargo from China flies in the belly of scheduled passenger services from PVG or HKG to ZRH. Where freighter capacity is needed, cargo can connect in Zurich under the SWISS arrangement with Lufthansa Cargo onto Lufthansa Cargo B777F or A321F freighter flights for worldwide coverage.
Shanghai Pudong to Zurich is a daily flight with a nonstop flying time of about 11 to 12 hours. From handover to availability for pickup in Zurich is usually 3 to 5 working days. From Shenzhen, cargo first goes by road to Hong Kong airport (about 2 to 4 hours) and then on the daily HKG-ZRH flight, about 4 to 6 working days in total. Customs inspection or weather delays can extend transit time.
SWISS holds IATA CEIV Pharma certification (continuously certified from 2018 to 2024) and is one of the main air carriers for Chinese pharmaceutical exports to Europe. The Zurich hub has a 500m² chilled zone (+2°C to +8°C), an 800m² constant-temperature zone (+15°C to +25°C) and a 50m² frozen zone (-20°C). Shipments can use Celsius Active temperature-controlled containers or Celsius Passive insulated packaging to keep the cold chain unbroken. State the temperature requirements at booking so that a suitable aircraft type and capacity can be arranged.
Taking Shanghai Pudong to Zurich as an example, public reference rates are about USD 4.00 to 8.20 per kg, depending on commodity, weight break and market supply and demand. Rates from other Chinese origins fall roughly between USD 4.20 and 8.60 per kg. These exclude fuel surcharges and ground handling charges. The minimum chargeable weight is usually 45 kg. Actual rates are those quoted on the day of booking, so contact a freight forwarder in advance for an exact quote.
SWISS currently flies nonstop from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport, and cargo from Shenzhen, Guangzhou and other South China cities can connect by road to Hong Kong airport. Cargo from other Chinese cities can be consolidated at these gateways for a single export. Gateways and connections are confirmed with capacity and routing on the day of booking.
The Zurich hub connects SWISS routes and the Star Alliance network, covering more than 130 destinations. In Europe it reaches all major cities including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Madrid and Vienna; in North America, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Toronto; in South America, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires; in Africa, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Lagos. The Lufthansa Cargo freighter network extends coverage to further points worldwide.
Goodhope Logistics (China) Limited provides one-stop booking and logistics solutions on SWISS flights
Contact Goodhope Freight for a quoteDisclaimer:The content here is for information only and does not constitute a contract of carriage or an offer of any kind. Flight schedules, rates, aircraft specifications and service information may change with airline operations, and the latest information published by Swiss International Air Lines applies. Goodhope Logistics (China) Limited has made reasonable efforts to keep the content accurate but accepts no liability for any loss arising from differences in information.
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Trademark statement:Swiss International Air Lines, Swiss WorldCargo, SWISS and related marks are registered trademarks of Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. IATA and CEIV are registered trademarks of the International Air Transport Association. Star Alliance is a registered trademark of Star Alliance GmbH. Lufthansa is a registered trademark of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. All trademarks mentioned here belong to their respective owners. Goodhope Logistics (China) Limited works with these brands as an independent freight forwarder and is not an authorised agent or affiliate.