The Best Options for Shipping Goods from China to El Salvador

When shipping goods from China to El Salvador by air, you have multiple airports to choose from, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. Each airport has its own unique characteristics. Different airlines offer varying transit times, prices, and types of cargo they can handle. The transportation time is influenced by several factors. Additionally, there are freight charter services available, and the prices are affected by the type of cargo, weight, and other factors. The prices vary depending on the airport of departure.

Airports in China Offering Air Freight Services to El Salvador

Several airports in China can transport goods to El Salvador. Each airport has its own unique features. Major airports in China, such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, all offer air freight services to El Salvador. Shanghai is suitable for high-value electronics, Hong Kong's tax-free status makes it ideal for luxury goods, Beijing is well-suited for large equipment (6-8 days/¥53-58/kg), Guangzhou is cost-effective for daily necessities, and the specific choice should be determined based on the type of cargo, transit time, and budget.

Introduction to Major Freight Airports in China (for shipments to El Salvador)
Each airport is equipped with professional freight facilities and services, and can provide the best freight solutions to El Salvador based on the characteristics of the cargo, transit time requirements, and budget.
Shanghai Pudong Airport: The largest freight airport in the country, it is like a super logistics center. It has dedicated freight terminals and runways, and can handle 4.5 million tons of cargo annually. It is particularly suitable for transporting electronics, machinery, and other large items. Cargo destined for El Salvador usually flies here first to Europe or the United States, and then transfers.
Beijing Capital Airport: Beijing Airport has two dedicated freight areas, like two large warehouses. It has specialized channels for pharmaceuticals and fresh produce, making it very convenient for transporting medical supplies. It can handle 200,000 express packages daily, and most goods from the north depart from here.
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: The airport has a huge cross-border e-commerce park, equivalent to the size of 10 football fields. There are 150 freight flights taking off and landing weekly. It is particularly suitable for transporting clothing, small goods, and other e-commerce items, with dedicated cold chain equipment for fresh produce.
Hong Kong Airport: Hong Kong Airport's freight capacity is among the top in the world, handling 9 million tons of cargo annually. It has the world's largest cold chain center and is particularly professional in transporting fresh produce and pharmaceuticals. Cargo to El Salvador transits here the fastest.
Zhengzhou Cargo Airport: The airport has been optimized specifically for e-commerce goods and is the only electronic freight pilot in the country. There are 40 freight flights weekly. It has an intelligent sorting system that can handle 30,000 packages per hour, making it particularly suitable for bulk shipments to El Salvador.
Shenzhen Airport: Located near the Huaqiangbei electronics market, it is particularly skilled at transporting mobile phones and computer accessories. It has dedicated hazardous materials warehouses and precision instrument handling areas, and is currently building a third runway. It works well with Hong Kong Airport, offering flexible transportation options.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG): As an important air freight hub in Western China, CKG features comprehensive freight infrastructure and professional cargo handling capabilities. The airport has a dedicated international freight terminal with an annual throughput of over 500,000 tons of cargo and mail, and is equipped with designated port qualifications for importing fruits and frozen aquatic products, providing specialized services for the import and export of specialty agricultural products.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): HGH has a well-developed system for handling cross-border e-commerce cargo. The airport is equipped with a dedicated cross-border e-commerce supervision center with a daily handling capacity of 300,000 orders. In terms of freight services to El Salvador, HGH provides stable and reliable logistics solutions for cross-border e-commerce sellers through efficient transits via Hong Kong. The airport is also equipped with automated sorting systems and intelligent warehousing facilities to ensure the rapid customs clearance and efficient transshipment of e-commerce cargo.
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): XIY has launched over 30 all-cargo routes, establishing a global freight network. The international freight terminal has an annual handling capacity of 150,000 tons and is equipped with professional cargo loading and unloading equipment.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN): XMN is equipped with anti-static warehousing facilities and dedicated handling areas for precision instruments, capable of meeting the transportation needs of high-value electronics. In terms of freight services to El Salvador, XMN provides professional international logistics solutions for electronic manufacturing enterprises. The airport also enjoys policy advantages such as bonded aviation fuel, which can help cargo owners reduce logistics costs. Additionally, XMN is expanding its freight facilities to further enhance its service capabilities for emerging markets such as El Salvador in the future.

Major International Freight Destination Airports in El Salvador

SAL Airport handles approximately 90% of El Salvador's international air freight. It is equipped with customs and cold storage facilities. Common cargo categories include electronic components, textiles, and coffee (mainly for export); machinery and medical supplies (mainly for import).

Airlines Offering Air Freight Services from China to El Salvador

When it comes to air freight services from China to El Salvador, different airlines have their own advantages in terms of transit time, types of cargo they handle, and transit points. If you are looking for the fastest transit time, you can choose China Airlines or EVA Air, which can deliver your goods in just 3-5 days via Taipei. If you want to save on freight costs, Turkish Cargo and Qatar Cargo, which transit via the Middle East, offer more affordable prices, although the transit time is longer at 7-10 days. For special customs clearance requirements, Lufthansa and Cathay Pacific, which transits via Hong Kong, are more convenient.

Dear El Salvador customers, we have partnered with several strong airlines to provide you with high-quality and efficient freight services!
Air China Cargo, with Beijing and Shanghai as hubs, offers 332 air freight routes and 166 global destinations, complemented by 1111 ground truck routes, can quickly transport goods from all over China to El Salvador. Whether it is express delivery, mail, dangerous goods, or perishable items, they can all be safely delivered.
China Southern Airlines Cargo, with its extensive route network and dense flight frequency, has abundant belly capacity of passenger aircraft, ensuring the stability and wide coverage of cargo transportation, providing reliable security for your trade.
China Airlines Cargo and EVA Air Cargo, relying on the transit advantage of Taipei, can deliver goods in as fast as 3-5 days. Their fleets are advanced, and they have rich experience in handling electronics and high-value goods, combining transportation efficiency and safety.
Cathay Pacific Cargo, with Hong Kong as the transit hub, provides professional and efficient services for goods with special customs clearance requirements, helping to ensure smooth delivery to El Salvador.
American Airlines Cargo, with its U.S.-centric route network, ensures fast transit of goods within the Americas; Copa Airlines Cargo, with its Central American hub status, is familiar with local transportation rules and customs clearance procedures, safeguarding the smooth delivery of your goods.
Lufthansa Cargo is particularly adept at transporting high-value, precision instruments, and other special goods, ensuring the timeliness and safety of transportation. Turkish Cargo, leveraging its geographical advantage connecting Europe and Asia, offers cost-effective transit via the Middle East; Qatar Airways Cargo's A380 freighters have strong carrying capacity, suitable for large and heavy cargo transportation, and optimized processes to ensure timely delivery.
No matter whether you need fast transportation, cost-effective solutions, or the transportation of special goods, we can provide freight services tailored to your needs. We look forward to cooperating with you!

Transit Time for Air Freight from China to El Salvador

The transit time for air freight from China to El Salvador is generally influenced by the following factors and typically takes 5-10 days, as detailed below:
Main Components of Transit Time
Flight Time: Direct flights take approximately 20-30 hours (including transit), but freight flights may be extended due to route scheduling.
Customs Clearance Time: Export from China takes about 1-2 days; import customs clearance in El Salvador takes approximately 1-3 days (faster with complete documents).
Transit and Ground Operations: If a transit is required (e.g., via the United States, Europe, or South America), an additional 1-3 days are added.
Key Influencing Factors
Direct/Transit Flights: There are no direct passenger flights from China to El Salvador. Freight usually transits via the United States (Miami, Los Angeles), Europe (Amsterdam), or South America (Panama City). Transit adds 1-2 days (note that transit via the United States may involve cargo security checks and customs inspections).
Airline Selection: Common freight carriers such as Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, American Airlines, etc., have different flight frequencies and transit times.
Customs Clearance Efficiency: El Salvador customs clearance typically requires a commercial invoice, packing list, and air waybill. Preparing these documents in advance can reduce delays. Special goods (e.g., electronics, food) may require additional certification.
Season and Freight Volume: During peak seasons (e.g., before Christmas)。
Reference Transit Time (Door-to-Door)
Express/Emergency Cargo: 5-7 days (priority flights + expedited customs clearance).
Regular Air Freight: 7-10 days (including transit and standard customs clearance).
Special Cases: In case of customs inspections, flight delays, etc., it may extend to 10-14 days.
Air Freight Routes from China to El Salvador (SSA)

Additional Notes: For cargo with a volume-to-weight ratio exceeding 1:160, additional charges apply (e.g., TP-047 Shenzhen route +¥2/kg).
Recommended Choice: The fastest option is LAN Airlines (5-8 days, departing from Hong Kong).

Charter Flights for Air Freight from China to El Salvador

Charter Flight Information:
Air China Cargo: Departs from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) on Tuesdays and Fridays, flight number CA1047. Stops in Los Angeles (LAX) before arriving in El Salvador (SSA), operated by Boeing 747-8F.
Cargolux: Departs from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, flight number CV7853. Transits via Dubai (DXB) and Panama (PTY) to SSA, using Boeing 777F.
Qatar Airways Cargo: Daily flight from Hong Kong (HKG), flight number QR8189. Transits via Doha (DOH) and Miami (MIA), operated by Airbus A330-200F.
Atlas Air: Four weekly flights from Guangzhou (CAN), flight number 5Y8021. Transits via Anchorage (ANC) and Miami.
AirBridge Cargo: Departs from Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) on Thursdays and Saturdays, flight number RU725. Transits via Moscow (SVO) and Mexico City (MEX).
All airlines offer specialized services such as temperature-controlled transportation and dangerous goods transportation. The fastest door-to-door transportation can be achieved in 36 hours from Hong Kong. It is recommended to book charter services at least 10 working days in advance and confirm the flight schedule in real-time.

Key Points for Charter Flights from China to El Salvador
Air Rights Approval: Must be processed at least 15 working days in advance. Original air operator certificate, airworthiness certification double certification, and crew vaccination records are required.
Cargo Restrictions: Lithium batteries cannot be transported alone, single pieces of liquid goods exceeding 200L, and untreated wooden packaging are prohibited. Pharmaceuticals and food items require additional FDA certification and Spanish-language instructions.
Cost Control: It is recommended to choose routes via Panama or round-trip charter flights to save costs.
Timeliness Assurance: It is advisable to purchase priority take-off and landing rights and expedited customs clearance services. One to two alternate stopover airports should be prepared.
Document Preparation: Includes a declaration of cargo value in Chinese, English, and Spanish, MSDS reports for hazardous materials, and electronic pre-review 72 hours in advance.
Peak Season: From November to February, an additional 15% surcharge is applied, and booking should be made 20 days in advance. During the Spring Festival and Christmas, airport operation fees will increase by 30-50%.

Air Freight Pricing from China to El Salvador

Air freight prices from China to El Salvador are influenced by various factors, including cargo type, weight, volume, route, fuel surcharge, and transit time requirements. Below is a general reference range and key points to note:
Weight and Volume: Airlines typically calculate freight based on the actual weight or volumetric weight of the cargo, whichever is greater. Volumetric weight is usually calculated as length×width×height÷6000 (in centimeters).
Cargo Type: Special goods such as dangerous goods, perishable items, and high-value items have stricter transportation requirements and higher risks, resulting in higher freight costs compared to general cargo.
Transport Distance: Generally, the longer the transport distance, the higher the air freight price. Longer distances require more fuel and increase the operational costs for airlines.
Flight Factors: Popular routes with high flight density and fierce competition have relatively stable prices. Less popular routes with fewer flights tend to have higher prices. Flight times during peak seasons or urgent periods are usually more expensive due to high demand, while prices are lower during off-peak or non-busy times.

Air Freight Price Reference Table from China to El Salvador (SSA)

General Cargo: Shenzhen is the cheapest, but bubble goods (light but large in volume) will incur additional charges. Shanghai has the most flights and is suitable for general cargo. For urgent cargo, Hong Kong is the fastest but more expensive. If your cargo is bubble goods (large in volume but light in weight), it is advisable to clarify the surcharge rules in advance!

Summary:
Cheapest: Shenzhen departure (¥47.5/kg), but bubble goods require additional charges.
Most Stable: Shanghai departure (¥61/kg), with multiple flights suitable for general cargo.
Fastest: Hong Kong departure (5-8 days), but more expensive (starting at ¥64.1/kg).
Air Freight Prices from Some Chinese Airports to El Salvador in January 2025
Air freight prices from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to El Salvador are approximately $6.50 to $9.00 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to El Salvador are approximately $7.00 to $9.50 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to El Salvador are approximately $6.00 to $8.50 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) to El Salvador are approximately $5.50 to $8.00 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to El Salvador are approximately $6.80 to $10.00 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) to El Salvador are approximately $7.50 to $10.50 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) to El Salvador are approximately $7.00 to $10.00 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) to El Salvador are approximately $7.20 to $10.20 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) to El Salvador are approximately $6.80 to $9.50 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to El Salvador are approximately $7.80 to $11.00 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH) to El Salvador are approximately $7.00 to $9.80 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) to El Salvador are approximately $6.50 to $9.20 per kilogram.