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Exhaustive Integration of Information on Air Freight Services from China to the UK

The air freight service from China to the UK departs from major Chinese airports such as Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport and arrives directly to UK. Multiple mainstream airlines are involved in the operation, and the transportation cycle is only 4 - 10 days. Flexible charter flight services can meet the transportation needs of goods of different scales. The air freight costs vary depending on the departure airport, the partnering airline, and the weight of the goods.

 

Chinese Airports Offering Air Freight Services to the UK

China’s major hub airports, equipped with advanced aviation infrastructure and extensive route networks, provide comprehensive air freight services from China to UK :

Airport

City

Province/Region

Beijing Capital International Airport

PEK

Beijing

Beijing

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

PVG

Shanghai

Shanghai

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

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport

HGH

Hangzhou

Zhejiang Province

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

CTU

Chengdu

Sichuan Province

Haikou Meilan International Airport

HAK

Haikou

Hainan Province

Wuhan Tianhe International Airport

WUH

Wuhan

Hubei Province

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

CKG

Chongqing

Chongqing City

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport

TAO

Qingdao

Shandong Province

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport

XIY

Xi'an

Shaanxi Province

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport

CGO

Zhengzhou

Henan Province

Urumqi Diwopu International Airport

URC

Urumqi

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Here are the detailed introductions of the main airports providing air freight services from China to the UK:

  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): As one of the three major gateway complex hubs in China, it has established an extremely complete freight route network and is equipped with leading - edge freight facilities. Its international freight area, with advanced technology and a professional team, can properly handle various special goods such as oversized, overweight, and dangerous goods. Serving as a key hub for air freight from China to the UK, there are multiple direct freight routes to London every week, providing efficient transportation services for high - value goods and time - sensitive materials.
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Ranked as the third - largest freight airport globally, it has 5 international freight areas. The airport is equipped with advanced cold - chain facilities, ensuring the safe transportation of fresh products and high - value pharmaceuticals. As a core hub for air freight from China to the UK, it offers freight services directly to major UK cities such as London and Manchester. Moreover, with its efficient operation system, it excels in handling cross - border e - commerce goods.
  • Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX): As an important freight hub in South China, its international freight routes extend in all directions. In the air freight business connecting China to the UK, the airport has specifically opened a cross - border e - commerce freight channel. With its efficient customs clearance services and advanced goods handling system, it can rapidly process high - value electronic products in Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta region, ensuring these products can be timely transported to the UK market.
  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): As the freight hub of China Southern Airlines, it has complete international freight facilities. In the field of air freight services from China to the UK, it not only provides direct freight flights to London but also offers transit transportation via aviation hubs in the Middle East. This diversified transportation solution is particularly suitable for the rapid transportation of goods such as clothing and electronics, meeting the needs of different customers.
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): Thanks to its excellent goods handling capacity and free - port policy, it has become one of the busiest freight airports globally. In the air freight logistics connecting China and the UK, it plays a vital role as a transit hub. The airport offers high - frequency freight flights and is equipped with professional equipment and services for temperature - controlled cargo transportation, ensuring the safe arrival of various temperature - sensitive goods in the UK.
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): As an important freight hub in the Yangtze River Delta region, it has opened a freight route directly to East Midlands Airport in the UK. In the air freight services from China to the UK, with its rich freight resources and professional service team, it is especially suitable for the concentrated transportation of small commodities and textiles, facilitating local enterprises to expand into the UK market.
  • Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): As an aviation freight hub in the western region of China, it has perfect international freight facilities. The airport provides a full - freight route directly to Bournemouth in the UK, greatly shortening the transportation time. It has become an important channel for mid - western enterprises to conduct trade with the UK, providing strong support for local characteristic products to go global.
  • Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK): As the main aviation gateway of Hainan Free Trade Port, it has been actively introducing aviation logistics enterprises in recent years and continuously improving its hub route network. In the field of air freight services from China to the UK, the airport will give full play to the policy advantages of Hainan Free Trade Port and focus on developing the transportation services of special goods such as duty - free commodities and tropical agricultural products, promoting trade between Hainan and the UK.
  • Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH): As an important aviation hub in the central region of China, its international freight capacity is continuously increasing. When providing air freight services from China to the UK, it mainly transits through aviation hubs such as Shanghai and Istanbul. With its complete transit service system, it has become an important node for trade between Central China and the UK, promoting the international economic development of the local area.
  • Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG): As an important node of the New Western Land - Sea Corridor, its international freight business is developing rapidly. In the air freight services from China to the UK, relying on the local industrial advantages, it focuses on developing the efficient transportation services of electronic products such as laptop computers, facilitating the exploration of the UK market by electronic enterprises in Chongqing and its surrounding areas.
  • Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO): As the main aviation hub in the Shandong Peninsula, it has complete cold - chain logistics facilities. When providing air freight services from China to the UK, these facilities can meet the transportation requirements of temperature - controlled goods such as seafood and agricultural products, ensuring the freshness and quality of the goods and promoting the entry of Shandong - characteristic agricultural products into the UK market.
  • Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): As the largest aviation hub in the northwestern region of China, its international freight capacity is constantly increasing. In the field of air freight services from China to the UK, it mainly transits through hubs such as Beijing and Shanghai. By leveraging the route resources of these hubs, it has become an important gateway for trade between the Silk Road Economic Belt and the UK, promoting economic cooperation along the line.
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO): As an important aviation freight hub in China, its freight route network covers the globe. In the air freight services from China to the UK, it provides freight services via transit through hubs such as Luxembourg. With its efficient goods handling system and rich logistics resources, it has outstanding cross - border e - commerce goods handling capabilities, providing a strong guarantee for e - commerce enterprises to enter the UK market.
  • Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC): As the main international airport in Xinjiang region and an important gateway for China's opening to the west, when providing air freight services from China to the UK, it mainly transits through Central Asian and Middle - East hubs. With its unique geographical location, it has become an important node connecting western China and the UK, promoting trade between western China and the UK.

The main destination airports for air freight from China to the UK include:

Airport

City

Region

London Heathrow Airport

LHR

London

Greater London Area

London Stansted Airport

STN

London

Greater London Area

East Midlands Airport

EMA

Donington

Leicestershire

Manchester Airport

MAN

Manchester

Greater Manchester

Birmingham Airport

BHX

Birmingham

West Midlands

 

Airlines Operating Flights of Air Freight Services from China to the UK

Many airlines, with their differential competitive advantages, have actively laid out freight routes and fully engaged in the air freight services from China to the UK.

  • Air China (CA)
  • China Eastern Airlines (MU)
  • China Southern Airlines (CZ)
  • Cathay Pacific Airways (CX)
  • EVA Air (BR)
  • China Airlines (CI)
  • United Airlines (UA)
  • British Airways (BA)
  • Titan Airways (ZT)
  • Air France (AF)
  • Lufthansa German Airlines (LH)
  • Finnair (AY)
  • Polar Air Cargo (PO)
  • Turkish Airlines (TK)
  • Emirates (EK)
  • Qatar Airways (QR)
  • Ethiopian Airlines (ET)
  • Etihad Airways (EY)
  • Gulf Air (GF)
  • Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV)
  • Asiana Airlines (OZ)
  • Japan Airlines (JL)
  • Korean Air (KE)
  • Singapore Airlines (SQ)
  • Thai Airways International (TG)

There are details of airlines operating air freight services from China to the UK:
Air China (CA): Headquartered in Beijing, Air China uses Shanghai as the core base for its freight business. Its subsidiary, Air China Cargo, operates 24 cargo aircraft routes, covering 21 cities in 8 countries. With over 1500 ground truck flight routes, it extends its service reach globally. In the air freight business from China to the UK, Air China takes advantage of the dual - hub of Beijing and Shanghai to provide one - stop services including collection, transportation, and delivery, greatly promoting bilateral trade between China and the UK.
China Eastern Airlines (MU): As a large - scale state - owned aviation enterprise in China, China Eastern Airlines is headquartered in Shanghai. With its professional freight network and well - trained team, its routes cover the world. When providing air freight services from China to the UK, relying on the international aviation hub of Shanghai, it can quickly integrate domestic goods and fly directly to the UK, providing customers with efficient and personalized logistics solutions.
China Southern Airlines (CZ): Headquartered in Guangzhou, China Southern Airlines holds a leading position in the domestic aviation field with its large fleet and dense route network. The belly - holds of passenger aircraft and professional cargo aircraft provide sufficient freight capacity, and it has freight stations in many cities around the world. When carrying out air freight from China to the UK, China Southern Airlines relies on hub airports such as Guangzhou and Beijing. By optimizing the transit process, it ensures the rapid and safe delivery of goods to the UK.
Cathay Pacific Airways (CX): As a highly influential airline in Hong Kong, China, since its establishment in 1946, it has built a global route network relying on Hong Kong International Airport. In the freight field, with advanced facilities and rich operating experience, Cathay Pacific Airways provides high - quality services to customers. In the air freight business from China to the UK, it offers services for inland goods to transit through Hong Kong and reach the UK directly. Numerous freight flights shuttle between Hong Kong and major UK cities such as London, building an air bridge for trade between the two places.
EVA Air (BR): As an important airline in Taiwan, China, EVA Air adheres to the development strategy of emphasizing both passenger and cargo services. By operating joint freight routes with airlines such as British Airways and continuously optimizing its fleet configuration, with the unique geographical location of Taiwan, EVA Air actively undertakes air freight business from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, and the Asia - Pacific region to the UK, contributing to regional trade prosperity.
China Airlines (CI): Also from Taiwan, China, China Airlines has been established since 1959. With Taoyuan International Airport as its hub, it has a significant influence on the Asian route layout. In the freight field, China Airlines cooperates with other airlines to integrate resources and formulates exclusive transportation plans for the air freight demands from Taiwan and some parts of the Chinese mainland to the UK.
United Airlines (UA): As a large - scale airline in the United States, established in 1926 and headquartered in Chicago, its route network covers the world, with significant advantages especially in Europe and the United States. In the air freight services from China to the UK, United Airlines leverages its route resources in major Chinese cities and multiple global transit hubs. It not only provides freight services via transit through the United States but also offers flexible transportation solutions through code - sharing, meeting the complex logistics needs among China, the United States, and the UK.
British Airways (BA): As the national airline of the UK, established in 1974 and headquartered at London Heathrow Airport, with its extensive global routes, strong hub advantages, and cooperation with many Chinese airlines, British Airways provides diversified services for air freight from China to the UK. Customers can choose to fly directly from major Chinese cities to the UK or transit through other European cities.
Titan Airways (ZT): Established in 1988 and headquartered at London Stansted Airport, Titan Airways mainly provides passenger and cargo charter services and wet - lease services. Its cargo aircraft not only serve the Royal Mail but also undertake cargo charter business from China to the UK during specific periods, meeting customers' personalized freight needs.
Air France (AF): As the national airline of France, established in 1933 and headquartered at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, its route network covers all continents, with prominent advantages in Europe and Africa. When carrying out air freight from China to the UK, Air France takes advantage of the Paris hub to provide customers with efficient freight services from China to the UK via transit through Paris. With its professional logistics plans, it meets the diverse needs of customers.
Lufthansa German Airlines (LH): As the national airline of Germany, established in 1953 and headquartered in Frankfurt, it is a giant in the European aviation industry. Its subsidiary, Lufthansa Cargo, takes Frankfurt Airport as its core hub and makes full use of the resources of cargo aircraft and passenger aircraft belly - holds. In the air freight services from China to the UK, Lufthansa German Airlines ensures the timeliness and stability of cargo transportation with its mature operation system.
Finnair (AY): As the national airline of Finland, established since 1923 and headquartered in Helsinki, its routes are concentrated in Northern Europe, Europe, and Asia. When providing air freight services from China to the UK, Finnair relies on the Helsinki hub and, through cooperation with other airlines, provides convenient freight services from China to the UK via transit through Helsinki.
Polar Air Cargo (PO): A US - headquartered airline, its freight business has strong competitiveness between Asia and Europe. With a professional cargo aircraft fleet and in - depth understanding of customer needs, through its route network in the United States, Polar Air Cargo provides customized solutions for air freight from China to the UK, meeting different customers' freight requirements.
Turkish Airlines (TK): As the national airline of Turkey, established in 1933 and headquartered in Istanbul, its routes span across Europe and Asia. In the air freight services from China to the UK, Turkish Airlines takes advantage of the unique geographical location and hub advantages of Istanbul to provide freight services via transit through Turkey and formulates flexible logistics solutions for customers.
Emirates (EK): As the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, established in 1985 and based at Dubai International Airport, it has a modern fleet and its routes cover the world. When providing air freight services from China to the UK, Emirates gives full play to the transit advantages of the Dubai hub. With advanced freight facilities and an efficient service system, it provides high - quality freight services to customers.
Qatar Airways (QR): As the national airline of Qatar, established in 1993 and with Doha International Airport as its hub, its routes cover the world. When carrying out air freight business from China to the UK, Qatar Airways relies on the efficient transit capacity of the Doha hub, as well as its professional freight team and facilities, to provide reliable freight services to customers.
Ethiopian Airlines (ET): As a large - scale airline in Africa, established in 1945 and headquartered in Addis Ababa, its routes cover multiple continents. When providing air freight services from China to the UK, Ethiopian Airlines takes advantage of the Addis Ababa hub to provide freight services via transit through Africa for trade between China and Africa, as well as between China and the UK, promoting regional trade exchanges.
Etihad Airways (EY): An airline of the United Arab Emirates, established in 2003 and based at Abu Dhabi International Airport, its routes cover the world. In the air freight services from China to the UK, Etihad Airways takes advantage of the Abu Dhabi hub to provide freight and transit services. By optimizing the service process, it meets the different logistics needs of customers.
Gulf Air (GF): As the national airline of Bahrain, established in 1950 and headquartered in Manama, its routes are concentrated in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. When carrying out air freight business from China to the UK, Gulf Air takes advantage of the Bahrain hub and its cooperation with other airlines to provide freight services from China to the UK via transit through Bahrain, promoting regional trade development.
Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV): As the national airline of Saudi Arabia, established in 1945 and headquartered in Riyadh, it has a large fleet and extensive routes. In the air freight services from China to the UK, Saudi Arabian Airlines provides transportation services for goods to transit through Saudi Arabia to the UK via hub airports such as Riyadh, facilitating trade between China, Saudi Arabia, and the UK.
Asiana Airlines (OZ): A South Korean airline, established in 1988 and headquartered in Seoul, has obvious advantages in the Asian route layout. When providing air freight services from China to the UK, Asiana Airlines takes advantage of the Seoul hub and its cooperation with other airlines to provide freight services via transit through South Korea, providing logistics support for trade among China, South Korea, and the UK.
Japan Airlines (JL): The national airline of Japan, established in 1951 and headquartered in Tokyo, its routes cover major cities around the world. When carrying out air freight business from China to the UK, Japan Airlines takes advantage of hub airports such as Tokyo and Osaka to provide freight services via transit through Japan for trade among China, Japan, and the UK.
Korean Air (KE): A large - scale South Korean airline, established in 1969 and headquartered in Seoul, has an extensive route network. In the air freight services from China to the UK, Korean Air relies on the Seoul Incheon Airport hub and, by optimizing the logistics plan, provides high - quality freight services to customers.
Singapore Airlines (SQ): The national airline of Singapore, established in 1972 and based at Singapore Changi Airport, is renowned for its high - quality services and advanced technology, with routes covering the world. When providing air freight services from China to the UK, Singapore Airlines takes advantage of the Changi Airport hub to provide customers with efficient and high - quality freight solutions.
Thai Airways International (TG): The national airline of Thailand, established in 1960 and with Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport as its hub, its routes cover multiple continents. When carrying out air freight business from China to the UK, Thai Airways International takes advantage of the Bangkok hub to provide freight services from China to the UK via transit through Thailand, promoting trade among China, Thailand, and the UK.

 

The Transit Time of Air Freight Services from China to the UK

In the cross - border air freight system, the transit time of air freight services from China to the UK is jointly restricted by multiple factors such as air resource allocation, operation management strategies, and external environmental conditions:
1.Direct Flights
The flight time of direct flights mainly depends on the distance between the departure airport and the destination airport. The flight times of the main direct flights are as follows:

  • From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Approximately 10 to 12 hours.
  • From Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Approximately 10 to 12 hours.
  • From Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Approximately 12 to 14 hours.
  • From Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Approximately 11 to 13 hours.

2. Transit Flights
The transit time of transit flights varies depending on the transit location and flight connection time. For example:

  • Transit in Asia: Approximately 14 to 18 hours.
  • Transit in Europe: Approximately 13 to 16 hours.
  • Transit in the Middle East: Approximately 16 to 18 hours.

3. Customs Clearance Time
Customs clearance usually takes 1 to 3 days. The customs clearance time varies depending on the type of goods, the strictness of customs inspections, and whether additional documents or inspections are required. For example:

  • Electronic products: Usually, the customs clearance is relatively fast, taking about 1 to 2 days.
  • High - value goods: May require more stringent inspections, and the customs clearance time is approximately 2 to 3 days.

If sensitive goods (such as food and products with electricity) are involved, it may be extended to 5 - 7 days. In addition, the UK customs levies taxes on high - value goods (>£15), which may increase the inspection time.
4. Overall Transportation Time
The overall transportation time includes the flight time and customs clearance time, usually taking 4 to 10 days. The specific time depends on the origin and destination of the goods and whether transit is required. For example:

  • For direct flights: From major Chinese airports to major UK airports, the overall transportation time is approximately 4 to 7 days.
  • For transit flights: The overall transportation time is approximately 5 to 10 days.

5. Special Circumstances
Special circumstances may lead to an extension of the transportation time. For example:

  • Peak seasons: During peak seasons (such as Christmas and Black Friday), due to tight flight manpower, the transportation time may be extended by 1 to 2 days.
  • Customs inspections: Goods such as lithium - ion batteries and liquids require additional customs inspections, which may increase the customs clearance time by 2 to 3 days.
  • Weather/strikes: Severe weather may cause flight delays and increase the transportation time. Strikes at UK airports may lead to flight cancellations or delays.

6. Summary
The transit time of air freight services from China to the UK varies depending on the transportation method, origin, destination, and whether transit is required. Direct flights usually take 3 to 7 days, transit flights take 4 to 7 days, and the customs clearance time is approximately 1 to 3 days. The overall transportation time is usually between 4 and 10 days. Special circumstances such as peak seasons, customs inspections, and weather factors may cause an extension of the transportation time.

 

Charter Flights for Air Freight Services from China to the UK

Charter flights break the limitations of the traditional air freight model with flexible scheduling and customized cabin configurations. According to the characteristics of different goods, transportation scale, and delivery deadlines, exclusive transportation plans are created to ensure the smooth flow of air freight services from China to the UK throughout the process:

Departure Airport

Destination Airport

Operating Airlines

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Manchester Airport (MAN)

Air China (CA)
Cathay Pacific Airways (CX)
British Airways (BA)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Air China (CA)
China Southern Airlines (CZ)
China Eastern Airlines (MU)
Turkish Airlines (TK)
British Airways (BA)

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Manchester Airport (MAN)
Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Hainan Airlines (HU)
China Eastern Airlines (MU)
Cathay Pacific Airways (CX)
China Airlines (CI)
Asiana Airlines (OZ)

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Manchester Airport (MAN)
Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Cathay Pacific Airways (CX)
British Airways (BA)
Lufthansa German Airlines (LH)
Emirates (EK)
Etihad Airways (EY)
Turkish Airlines (TK)
Luxair (CV)
Thai Airways International (TG)
Asiana Airlines (OZ)

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO)

Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Titan Airways (ZT)

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)

Manchester Airport (MAN) in the UK

Hainan Airlines (HU)

Here are the detailed information of some charter flights for air freight services from China to the UK:

  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): As an important aviation hub in China, it opens up channels for goods to reach multiple UK cities.
    • London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Relying on its extensive route network and strong operational capabilities, Air China operates large - cargo aircraft to transport high - value electronic products, mechanical equipment, and other goods, reaching the core logistics hub in London quickly. Cathay Pacific Airways takes advantage of the transit advantage of Hong Kong, loads goods in the belly - holds of passenger aircraft, and flexibly arranges flight frequencies to meet the cargo transportation needs of cross - border e - commerce. British Airways provides professional freight services with its resources and influence in the UK, ensuring the timeliness and safety of transportation.
    • London Stansted Airport (STN): Air China and Cathay Pacific Airways operate on this route. The former gives full play to its scale advantage, while the latter relies on its rich transit experience to provide stable transportation capacity support for goods from Beijing and its surrounding areas to this place, meeting the transportation needs of various types of goods.
    • Manchester Airport (MAN): The charter flights operated by Air China, Cathay Pacific Airways, and British Airways can undertake the transportation of large - scale industrial equipment, clothing, and other goods, promoting trade and industrial cooperation between Beijing and Manchester.
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): As an international aviation hub, it builds a freight bridge closely connected to the UK.
    • London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Three major airlines, Air China, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines, rely on their large fleets and complete service systems to ensure the stable and efficient transportation of goods. Turkish Airlines takes advantage of its unique geographical location to create a transit transportation advantage and achieve rapid goods transfer. British Airways attracts many customers with its high - quality services and mature freight network, meeting the transportation requirements of various types of goods.
    • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and British Airways operate jointly on this route to meet the transportation needs of automotive parts, electronic products, daily necessities, and other goods from Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region to Birmingham, promoting regional trade cooperation.
  • Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX): As a center of innovation and manufacturing, it has a convenient freight channel to the UK.
    • London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Hainan Airlines uses advanced converted passenger - to - cargo aircraft, which are suitable for transporting high - value - added electronic products and high - end clothing, providing fast direct - delivery services. China Eastern Airlines, with its professional freight team, uses full - cargo aircraft for transportation to ensure the timely delivery of goods. Cathay Pacific Airways relies on the Hong Kong hub to optimize the logistics process and undertakes the transportation of various types of goods. China Airlines and Asiana Airlines provide diversified options for the export of goods from Shenzhen and its surrounding areas with their own route networks and service features.
    • London Stansted Airport (STN): China Eastern Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways use full - cargo aircraft or carry goods in the belly - holds of passenger aircraft. The high - frequency routes can flexibly respond to the small - batch and multi - batch transportation needs of cross - border e - commerce, helping Shenzhen's characteristic products be transported to the UK.
    • Manchester Airport (MAN): Hainan Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways, through charter flight services, undertake the transportation of mechanical equipment, precision instruments, and other goods, meeting the trade needs of Shenzhen and Manchester in the manufacturing field.
    • Birmingham Airport (BHX): China Eastern Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Asiana Airlines open charter flights to transport consumer electronics, textiles, and other goods, strengthening the economic and trade ties between Shenzhen and Birmingham.
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): With its superior geographical location and mature logistics system, it has become a key transit hub for freight from China to the UK.
    • London Heathrow Airport (LHR): As a local airline in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Airways has a dense flight network and rich operating experience. It uses large - cargo aircraft to achieve large - scale transportation of various types of goods. Many international airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Luxair, Thai Airways International, and Asiana Airlines take advantage of the transit advantage of Hong Kong and their global networks to meet the transportation needs of the UK market for electronic products, fashion, fresh produce, and other goods.
    • Manchester Airport (MAN): Cathay Pacific Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Asiana Airlines open charter flights to provide customized services, undertaking the transportation of large - scale industrial equipment, project - related materials, and other goods, promoting industrial cooperation between Hong Kong and Manchester.
    • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Many airlines operate on this route. Through transit or direct - flight services, they meet the transportation needs of various types of goods from Hong Kong to Birmingham, promoting trade between the two places.
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO): With its unique geographical location advantage, it provides support for the export of goods from the Central Plains region to the UK.
    • Birmingham Airport (BHX): The charter flight opened by Titan Airways meets the transportation needs of cross - border e - commerce goods, clothing, household items, etc. in Zhengzhou and its surrounding areas, providing a convenient channel for local products to enter the UK market.
  • Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG): As an important aviation hub in the southwest region, it strengthens the freight connection with Manchester in the UK.
    • Manchester Airport (MAN): Hainan Airlines opens a charter flight to undertake the transportation of mechanical equipment, electronic products, and other goods in Chongqing and its surrounding areas, promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two places in the manufacturing and trade fields.

 

Prices of Air Freight Services from China to the UK

The pricing of air freight services from China to the UK is rather complex. The costs of the departure and destination airports, differences in airline operations, and the chargeable weight of the goods constitute the pricing elements. The following are the reference prices for common freight routes:

Departure

Destination

Carrier

Frequency

Air Cargo Price ($/kg)

Transit

45KG+

100KG+

300KG+

500KG+

1000KG+

PVG

LHR

EY

Daily

5.33

5.26

5.26

5.26

AUH

PVG

MAN

EY

Daily

5.33

5.26

5.26

5.26

AUH

PVG

MAN

GF

D1357

5.88

5.67

5.53

5.39

BAH

CAN

LHR

HU

Daily

5.77

4.98

4.68

4.47

4.33

CKG

CAN

LHR

CA

D15

4.91

4.61

4.47

4.47

PEK

CAN

LHR

CZ

Daily

5.73

5.35

5.05

4.91

4.77

CAN

LHR

TK

Daily

5.53

5.37

5.09

4.95

IST

CAN

LHR

SV

Daily

9.42

5.86

5.29

5.01

4.73

RUH

CAN

LHR

EK

Daily

7.32

5.84

5.68

5.12

4.98

DXB

CAN

LHR

QR

D124567

5.88

5.58

5.09

5.09

DOH

CAN

STN

TK

Daily

5.53

5.37

5.09

4.95

IST

CAN

STN

EK

Daily

7.04

5.56

5.40

4.84

4.70

DXB

CAN

STN

QR

D124567

5.88

5.58

5.09

5.09

DOH

CAN

STN

CZ

Daily

11.91

8.28

6.22

5.72

5.48

AMS

CAN

MAN

HU

Daily

5.63

4.70

4.40

4.19

4.19

PEK

CAN

MAN

TK

Daily

5.67

5.51

5.23

5.09

IST

CAN

MAN

EK

Daily

7.04

5.56

5.40

4.84

4.70

DXB

CAN

MAN

QR

D124567

5.53

5.23

4.74

4.74

DOH

CAN

MAN

SV

Daily

9.42

5.86

5.29

5.01

4.73

RUH

CAN

MAN

CZ

Daily

11.91

8.28

6.22

5.72

5.46

AMS

CAN

EMA

CZ

Daily

11.91

8.28

6.22

5.72

5.49

AMS

CAN

BHX

SV

Daily

9.42

5.86

5.29

5.01

4.73

RUH

CAN

BHX

EK

Daily

7.32

5.84

5.68

5.12

4.98

DXB

CAN

BHX

CZ

Daily

5.62

5.07

4.90

4.88

PKX-LHR

SZX

LHR

CA

Daily

4.70

4.50

4.34

4.34

PEK

SZX

LHR

BR

D36

9.24

5.19

4.98

4.83

4.69

TPE

SZX

LHR

TK

Daily

5.46

5.26

5.10

4.97

IST

SZX

LHR

CI

D13457

9.24

5.74

5.53

5.38

5.24

TPE

SZX

LHR

EY

D7

7.78

7.26

6.97

6.69

6.69

AUH

SZX

MAN

CA

Daily

4.88

4.63

4.48

4.48

PEK-LHR

SZX

MAN

TK

Daily

5.60

5.39

5.24

5.10

IST

SZX

MAN

EY

D7

7.78

7.26

6.97

6.69

6.42

AUH

SZX

EMA

CA

Daily

4.88

4.56

4.41

4.41

PEK-LHR

SZX

BHX

CA

Daily

4.88

4.56

4.41

4.41

PEK-LHR

EHU

LHR

EY

D12367

5.33

5.26

5.26

4.43

AUH

EHU

LHR

ET

D47

7.19

6.02

5.81

5.39

5.26

ADD

EHU

MAN

EY

D12367

5.33

5.26

5.26

4.01

AUH

EHU

MAN

ET

D47

7.19

6.02

5.81

5.39

5.26

ADD

HKG

LHR

EY

D134567

5.89

5.38

5.29

5.24

AUH

HKG

LHR

AY

D247

5.95

5.26

5.13

5.06

HEL

HKG

LHR

EK

Daily

7.04

6.10

5.55

5.46

5.41

DWC

HKG

LHR

QR

D134567

6.42

5.78

5.66

5.60

DOH

HKG

LHR

GF

Daily

6.71

5.96

5.82

5.79

MNL

HKG

LHR

PO

Daily

8.31

6.85

5.95

5.69

5.52

LEJ

HKG

LHR

TK

Daily

19.82

7.01

5.67

5.55

5.50

IST/ISL

HKG

LHR

TG

Daily

9.65

7.99

7.11

6.95

6.90

BKK

HKG

STN

EK

Daily

7.04

6.10

5.55

5.46

5.41

DWC

HKG

STN

QR

D134567

6.36

5.71

5.60

5.54

DOH

HKG

MAN

EY

D134567

5.89

5.38

5.29

5.24

AUH

HKG

MAN

QR

D134567

6.16

5.52

5.40

5.34

DOH

HKG

MAN

EK

Daily

7.43

6.49

5.94

5.85

5.80

DWC

HKG

MAN

GF

Daily

6.71

5.96

5.82

5.79

MNL

HKG

MAN

TK

Daily

19.82

6.88

5.54

5.42

5.37

IST/ISL

HKG

MAN

AY

D247

7.12

6.30

5.91

5.84

HEL

HKG

MAN

PO

Daily

8.70

7.24

6.34

6.08

5.91

LEJ

HKG

EMA

PO

Daily

8.70

7.24

6.34

6.08

5.91

LEJ

HKG

BHX

EK

Daily

7.63

6.68

6.14

6.04

6.00

DWC

HKG

BHX

PO

Daily

9.09

7.63

6.73

6.47

6.30

LEJ

There are some detailed information about the prices of air freight services from China to the UK:
Air China (CA)

  • Price Range: $4.34 - 5.73/kg
  • Recommendation: The flagship route from Beijing directly to London. It has convenient customs clearance due to its government - related background. It is the first choice for state - owned enterprises and bulk goods, and is especially suitable for special goods such as medical devices that require rapid customs clearance.

China Southern Airlines (CZ)

  • Price Range: $4.77 - 11.91/kg
  • Recommendation: It has temperature - controlled storage at the Guangzhou hub and an exclusive channel for cross - border e - commerce. It is the preferred option for fresh food and electronic products. However, it is advisable to avoid its transit routes with a stopover at AMS (the prices are relatively high).

China Eastern Airlines (MU)

  • Price Range: $4.34 - 5.73/kg
  • Recommendation: It is the first choice for sellers in the Yangtze River Delta region. It provides a full - process tracking service from "door to port".

Cathay Pacific Airways (CX)

  • Price Range: $4.69 - 6.42/kg
  • Recommendation: Benefiting from the free - port policy of Hong Kong and the facilities of the world's best freight airport, it is the top choice for transporting high - value re - export goods/artworks. It also offers professional reinforced packaging services.

Emirates (EK)

  • Price Range: $4.70 - 7.43/kg
  • Recommendation: With the Dubai super - hub and the world's densest cargo aircraft network, it is an excellent choice for customers with business extensions to the Middle East market. It offers the privilege of "48 - hour free warehouse rent in Dubai".

Qatar Airways (QR)

  • Price Range: $4.74 - 6.42/kg
  • Recommendation: It is a cost - effective option for small and medium - batch goods (less than 300kg). There are sufficient seats on weekend flights.

Turkish Airlines (TK)

  • Price Range: $4.95 - 19.82/kg
  • Recommendation: Only recommend its fixed route from IST directly to MAN (about $5.5/kg). The prices of other routes fluctuate greatly.

Polar Air Cargo (PO)

  • Price Range: $5.52 - 9.09/kg
  • Recommendation: It is the only carrier that provides direct flights to EMA via the Arctic route. Consider it when there is an urgent need for restocking in the central region of the UK.

Notes:

  • For lithium - battery goods, it is advisable to give priority to airlines with DG certification such as CA and CX.
  • It is recommended to purchase full insurance, especially for routes with complex transits like TK.

 

Air Freight Prices from Major Chinese Airports to the UK in February 2025

1. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) → UK

  • Airlines: China Southern Airlines (CZ), Etihad Airways (EY), China Airlines (CI)
  • Price Range: 3.59 - 6.13 $/kg

2. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) → UK

  • Airlines: Hainan Airlines (HU), Air China (CA), Turkish Airlines (TK)
  • Price Range: 4.33 - 7.44 $/kg

3. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) → UK

  • Airlines: Air China (CA), China Airlines (CI), Turkish Airlines (TK)
  • Price Range: 5.34 - 9.34 $/kg

4. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) → UK

  • Airlines: Air China (CA), British Airways (BA)
  • Price Range: 4.45 - 8.02 $/kg

5. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) → UK

  • Airlines: Cathay Pacific Airways (CX), Emirates (EK), Qatar Airways (QR)
  • Price Range: 5.35 - 9.79 $/kg

Price - influencing Factors:

  1. Cargo Volume: The price for 1000KG + is usually 30% - 50% lower than that for 45KG +.
  2. Route Type: Direct flights are 10% - 20% more expensive than transit flights, but they are more time - efficient.