Latest Information Summary of Air Freight Services from China to Australia

Air freight service information from China to Australia encompasses key elements like service - providing airports, operating airlines, transit time, charter flights, and prices. It enables a precise understanding of air freight service essentials and facilitates the optimization of transportation plans.

Airports Providing Air Freight Services from China to Australia

Several key airports in China serve as vital hubs for air freight services from China to Australia, each offering unique advantages for different types of cargo:

The following airports are pivotal for air freight services from China to Australia:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): As one of China's three major hub airports, PEK boasts advanced facilities and a comprehensive air transport network, making it a critical junction for air freight services from China to Australia. With annual cargo throughput exceeding 2 million tons and specialized cold chain logistics, it serves as a primary distribution center for China-Australia routes.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): China's largest air cargo hub, PVG consistently ranks among the world's top three airports for cargo volume. Equipped with five parallel runways and state-of-the-art freight facilities, it is the preferred gateway for high-value electronics and precision instruments in air freight services from China to Australia.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): The largest aviation hub in South China, CAN offers extensive global routes and over 1 million square meters of dedicated cargo space. Its specialized cross-border e-commerce handling services make it a top choice for air freight services from China to Australia from the Guangdong region.
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU): Opened in 2021, TFU is Southwest China's newest international hub. As a key node in the Belt and Road Initiative, it features modern cargo facilities and is rapidly emerging as a major transit point for air freight services from China to Australia.
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX): Leveraging the Pearl River Delta's manufacturing base, SZX is a vital export hub for cross-border e-commerce goods. Its growing network of international cargo flights offers distinct advantages for electronics shipments in air freight services from China to Australia.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN): A strategic hub in the West Taiwan Strait Economic Zone, XMN provides efficient transit options for seafood and electronics in air cargo from China to Australia through partnerships with global cargo airlines.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): A key cargo hub in the Yangtze River Delta, HGH excels in operational efficiency and has prioritized international freight development. Its cross-border e-commerce pilot zone streamlines customs for air freight services from China to Australia.
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG): Jiangsu's primary international air port, NKG supports large aircraft and is ideal for time-sensitive perishables in air cargo from China to Australia, strengthening trade links between Eastern China and Australia.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO): A central China hub for China Postal Airlines, CGO is rapidly expanding its international cargo network under the "Air Silk Road" initiative. Its cross-border e-commerce zone ensures swift customs clearance for air freight services from China to Australia.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): One of the world's busiest cargo airports, HKG offers unparalleled global connectivity and free-port policies. Its high-frequency flights and efficient handling make it a premier transit point for air freight services from China to Australia.
The main arrival ports of air freight routes from China to Australia include:

Airlines Operating Air Freight Flights from China to Australia

Many airlines provide diverse options for air freight from China to Australia through direct or connecting flights:

• Air China (CA)
• China Southern Airlines (CZ)
• China Eastern Airlines (MU)
• Xiamen Airlines (MF)
• Juneyao Airlines (HO)
• Shenzhen Airlines (ZH)
• Cathay Pacific Airways (CX)
• EVA Air (BR)
• UPS Airlines (5X)
• Polar Air Cargo (PO)
• Qantas Airways (QF)
• Virgin Australia (VA)
• Jetstar Airways (JQ)
• Air New Zealand (NZ)
• Lufthansa German Airlines (LH)
• British Airways (BA)
• Emirates Airlines (EK)
• Qatar Airways (QR)
• Vietnam Airlines (VN)
• Asiana Airlines (OZ)
• Korean Air (KE)
• Thai Airways International (TG)
• Japan Airlines (JL)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)

The following is a detailed introduction to each airline:
Air China (CA): As China's national flag carrier, Air China boasts a comprehensive global cargo network. Its Beijing hub serves as a vital gateway for air freight from China to Australia, offering scheduled freighter and belly-hold cargo services. Through close collaboration with major international air cargo hubs, Air China provides reliable transportation solutions, particularly suited for high-value shipments.
China Southern Airlines (CZ): Headquartered in Guangzhou, CZ operates the largest fleet and most extensive route network among Chinese carriers, with the highest annual passenger volume. Leveraging its strategic location in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, CZ holds significant market share in China-Australia air freight. Its Guangzhou hub features specialized temperature-controlled storage facilities, making it the preferred choice for perishable goods transportation.
China Eastern Airlines (MU): Based in Shanghai, MU provides both freighter and belly-hold cargo services. With the operational advantages of China Eastern Logistics in ground handling and transportation coordination, MU delivers efficient cross-border e-commerce logistics solutions for China-Australia air freight, with particular expertise in electronics transportation.
Xiamen Airlines (MF): As China's first all-Boeing fleet operator, MF is renowned for its safety, efficiency and premium service. With routes covering multiple domestic and international cities, MF has been actively expanding its China-Australia air freight business. Its Xiamen hub offers unique advantages for Southeast Asia-Australia transshipment cargo.
Juneyao Air (HO): Operating routes to domestic and select international destinations, Juneyao Air has been strengthening its presence in China-Australia air freight through partner collaborations, focusing on premium consumer goods and e-commerce parcel services while offering flexible transport options.
Shenzhen Airlines (ZH): Located in the Greater Bay Area, ZH's network covers major domestic cities and select international destinations. Capitalizing on Shenzhen's high-tech industry strengths, ZH specializes in transporting electronic components and precision instruments for China-Australia air freight, providing professional anti-vibration and anti-static packaging solutions.
Cathay Pacific (CX): Using Hong Kong International Airport as its hub, CX operates multiple cargo routes between Hong Kong and major Australian cities. With its global cargo network, CX offers high-frequency flights, flexible transit solutions and crucial logistics support for time-sensitive shipments in China-Australia air freight.
EVA Air (BR): Serving over 40 global destinations, EVA Air has established worldwide passenger and cargo networks through strategic alliances. For China-Australia air freight, it provides Taipei transit solutions, with specialized cold chain equipment particularly suitable for agricultural and pharmaceutical products.
UPS Airlines (5X): The aviation division of global logistics leader UPS operates an extensive worldwide network focused on air express and cargo services. Its China-Australia air freight service is renowned for reliability and timeliness, offering complete door-to-door logistics solutions, especially ideal for commercial documents and urgent shipments.
Polar Air Cargo (PO): Specializing in international and domestic air cargo transport, PO utilizes its freighter capacity and flight arrangements to provide professional oversized and dangerous goods transportation services in China-Australia air freight market, meeting special logistics requirements.
Qantas Airways (QF): As Australia's flag carrier, Qantas is widely recognized as a world-leading long-haul airline and one of Australia's strongest brands. Operating direct routes between multiple Chinese and Australian cities, Qantas holds distinct advantages in return-leg China-Australia air freight, particularly experienced in live animal transportation.
Virgin Australia (VA): With routes covering Australian domestic and select international destinations, VA offers customized logistics solutions in China-Australia air freight through airline partnerships and its own network, demonstrating particular expertise in artwork and luxury goods transportation.
Jetstar Airways (JQ): As a low-cost carrier, JQ provides economical transport solutions in China-Australia air freight for cost-sensitive shipments like daily necessities and e-commerce parcels, suitable for budget-conscious small businesses.
Air New Zealand (NZ): As a major carrier in the South Pacific region, NZ's network extends across New Zealand, Australia and Pacific Rim countries. For China-Australia air freight, it offers Auckland transit solutions, with its Southern Hemisphere route network providing flexible options for specific regions.
Lufthansa (LH): Germany's largest airline and one of Europe's biggest aviation groups, LH provides efficient Frankfurt transit solutions in China-Australia air freight through its European hub position, with its Europe-Australia network offering global logistics solutions for multinational corporations.
British Airways (BA): With worldwide coverage and hubs like London Heathrow, BA operates both freighter and belly-hold services in China-Australia air freight, offering London transit solutions with particular expertise in premium consumer goods and precision instruments transportation.
Emirates (EK): Leveraging its Dubai hub, EK provides high-frequency transit services in China-Australia air freight. Its fleet of large freighters accommodates bulk shipments, delivering efficient logistics solutions for China-Australia trade, especially suitable for high-value, time-sensitive cargo.
Qatar Airways (QR): Utilizing advanced aircraft and efficient logistics facilities, QR offers Doha transit solutions in China-Australia air freight. Its global cargo network serves clients with complex logistics needs, meeting demanding requirements for timeliness and service quality.
Vietnam Airlines (VN): With hubs at Hanoi Noi Bai and Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat airports, VN provides economical transit solutions via Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City in China-Australia air freight, particularly suitable for Southeast Asia-Australia transshipment needs.
Asiana Airlines (OZ): Through its Korean hub and airline partnerships, OZ offers Seoul transit services in China-Australia air freight, with its professional electronics transportation solutions earning strong customer trust.
Korean Air (KE): An active participant in China-Australia air freight, KE utilizes its comprehensive route network and capacity resources to transport trade goods between Korea, China and Australia via its Incheon hub, demonstrating particular advantages in high-value cargo transportation.
Thai Airways (TG): Headquartered in Bangkok with Suvarnabhumi Airport as its hub, TG provides Thailand transit services connecting China and Australia in air freight, with its Southeast Asia network offering regional cargo distribution advantages.
Japan Airlines (JL): In China-Australia air freight, JL provides precision transportation services via Tokyo Narita and Haneda hubs, especially suitable for high-precision instruments and automotive components.
Singapore Airlines (SQ): Renowned for premium service and advanced fleet, SQ leverages its Changi hub to provide efficient transit services in China-Australia air freight, with outstanding performance in perishables transportation through its temperature-controlled logistics equipment.

Transit Time for Air Freight Services from China to Australia

The duration of air freight shipments from China to Australia is influenced by multiple factors, including route planning, flight frequency, and airport cargo terminal efficiency:
1. Direct Flights
Direct flights represent the fastest option for China-Australia air freight, with flight durations typically ranging between 9-12 hours:

• Shanghai (PVG) → Sydney (SYD): Approximately 10 hours 30 minutes
• Guangzhou (CAN) → Melbourne (MEL): Approximately 9 hours 15 minutes
• Beijing (PEK) → Brisbane (BNE): Approximately 11 hours
• Shenzhen (SZX) → Perth (PER): Approximately 7 hours 30 minutes

2. Connecting Flights
Transit times for connecting flights are generally longer than direct flights, depending on the transfer location and layover duration:

• Southeast Asia: 11-14 hours
• Northeast Asia: 13-15 hours
• Middle East: 18-22 hours
• Americas: 24+ hours

3. Customs Clearance

• Standard clearance: Typically 1-3 days (with complete documentation and no inspection)
• Complex clearance: Potentially 3-7 days (for goods requiring quarantine or high-value items)
• Influencing factors:
• Australian customs policies (additional approvals required for food, pharmaceuticals)
• Documentation accuracy (errors in commercial invoices/packing lists may cause delays)
• Random inspection rate (approximately 10%-20% of shipments)

4. Special Circumstances

• Holiday delays (Chinese New Year/Australian Christmas): Potential 2-5 day extension
• Extreme weather (typhoons/fog): May cause flight cancellations with 1-3 day delays
• Customs inspection periods (policy changes): Clearance may extend to 7-14 days
• Special cargo (lithium batteries/liquids): Requires additional approvals, adding 2-4 days

5. Total Transit Time

• Direct: 5-10 days (including 1-2 days domestic handling + 3-5 days flight + 1-3 days clearance/delivery)
• Connecting: 7-13 days (additional transit processing time)
• Remote areas: Extra 1-2 days for delivery
• Special cargo: Additional 2-4 days (special approvals required)
• Peak seasons/holidays: Potential 3-5 day delays

6. Summary
China-Australia air freight transit times are subject to multiple variables.
Direct routes offer the shortest total transit time (typically 5-10 days), while connecting routes require additional processing time (7-13 days). Customs clearance is a critical factor - normally completed in 1-3 days but potentially longer in special cases. For final delivery, major cities require 1-2 days while remote areas need additional time. For special cargo or during peak seasons, additional buffer time is recommended.

Charter Flights for Air Freight Services from China to Australia

Charter flight services leverage premium aviation resources to accommodate diverse cargo transportation needs. Below is key information about air freight charter flights from China to Australia:

The following is detailed information about charter flights for air freight from China to Australia:
1. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

• Main Routes: PEK → SYD/MEL
• Operating Airlines: Air China (CA)
• Characteristics:
  • It is the core freight hub in northern China, suitable for the distribution of goods in North China.
  • It has direct flights to major cities on the east coast of Australia, with fast timeliness (5 - 7 days).
  • The all - cargo aircraft capacity of Air China is stable, suitable for bulk goods.
• Recommendations: It is advisable to give priority to Air China's charter flights, which are suitable for transporting high - value electronic products, mechanical equipment, etc.

2. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

• Main Routes: PVG → SYD/MEL/BNE/ADL
• Operating Airlines: Air China (CA), China Southern Airlines (CZ), China Eastern Airlines (MU), Cathay Pacific Airways (CX), All Nippon Airways (NH)
• Characteristics:
  • It is the largest freight gateway in East China, with routes covering the entire east coast of Australia.
  • There are many airline options, which can flexibly match the capacity requirements.
  • It is suitable for cross - border e - commerce, fresh products and other time - sensitive goods.
• Recommendations: For goods that require rapid customs clearance, China Eastern Airlines or Cathay Pacific Airways can be selected; for bulk goods, China Southern Airlines is preferred.

3. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

• Main Routes: CAN → SYD/MEL/BNE/ADL
• Operating Airlines: China Southern Airlines (CZ), Hainan Airlines (HU), Shenzhen Airlines (ZH), Vietnam Airlines (VN), Asiana Airlines (OZ)
• Characteristics:
  • It is the core hub in South China, with obvious advantages in Southeast Asia - Australia transit.
  • The all - cargo aircraft capacity of China Southern Airlines is strong, and Vietnam Airlines (VN) is suitable for low - cost transit.
  • The fresh - food cold - chain logistics is well - equipped.
• Recommendations: For fresh products, it is advisable to give priority to the direct flights of China Southern Airlines; if the budget is limited, transit options (such as via Hanoi, Vietnam) can be considered.

4. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)

• Main Routes: SZX → SYD/MEL/BNE/PER/ADL
• Operating Airlines: Air China (CA), Hainan Airlines (HU), Sichuan Airlines (3U), AirAsia (AK)
• Characteristics:
  • The electronic industry in the Pearl River Delta has mature supporting facilities, making it suitable for high - value - added goods.
  • The routes cover both the east and west coasts of Australia, with obvious advantages in direct flights to Perth.
  • AirAsia (AK) provides low - cost Southeast Asian transit options.
• Recommendations: For goods destined for Western Australia, it is advisable to give priority to direct flights to Perth; for electronic products, the charter flights of Air China can be chosen.

5. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

• Main Routes: HKG → SYD/MEL/BNE/PER/ADL
• Operating Airlines: Cathay Pacific Airways (CX), Air New Zealand (NZ), Singapore Airlines (SQ), Fiji Airways (FJ)
• Characteristics:
  • With free - port policies, it has high customs - clearance efficiency, suitable for high - timeliness goods.
  • The international airline network is dense, and transit is flexible (such as via Auckland, Singapore).
  • It is suitable for high - end logistics needs such as luxury goods and pharmaceuticals.
• Recommendations: For urgent goods, it is advisable to choose the direct flights of Cathay Pacific Airways first; for special goods, transit options (such as the cold - chain service of Air New Zealand) can be considered.

6. Other Airports (Xi'an, Qingdao, Haikou)

• Main Routes:
  • XIY → MEL/BNE/ADL
  • TAO → MEL
  • HAK → SYD
• Characteristics:
  • There are fewer charter - flight options at secondary airports, but the regional cargo - collection cost is relatively low.
  • Hainan Airlines (HU) plays a leading role, suitable for specific regional cargo.
• Recommendations: For goods in Northwest China/Shandong Province, charter flights from Xi'an/Qingdao can be given priority; for goods departing from Hainan, direct flights to Sydney are faster.

Summary and Recommendations

• Priority on Timeliness: Choose direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong, and prefer airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and Cathay Pacific Airways.
• Priority on Cost: Consider transit routes from Guangzhou or Shenzhen (such as Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia).
• Special Goods: For pharmaceuticals/cold - chain products, choose Hong Kong or Air New Zealand; for dangerous goods, confirm the airline's qualifications in advance.

Prices of Air Freight Services from China to Australia

The air freight prices from China to Australia are determined by the operation costs of the departure and destination ports, the operation strategies of airlines, and the actual volume and weight of the goods. The following are the reference prices of some freight routes:

The following is a summary of air freight prices from China to Australia:

• Price Range: The air freight prices (per kilogram) from China to Australia generally range from $3 to $11. The specific prices vary depending on factors such as the operating airlines, departure airports, destination airports, and the weight of the goods.
• Average Price: The prices of most flights are concentrated between $4 and $7 per kilogram.
• Impact of Operating Airlines on Prices:

China Southern Airlines (CZ) and Thai AirAsia (FD) usually offer more economical prices, suitable for cost - sensitive customers. International well - known airlines such as Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) and All Nippon Airways (NH) have relatively higher prices, but with better service quality and flight stability. Airlines such as EVA Air (BR) and Singapore Airlines (SQ) also have higher prices, but their services and route networks are more flexible.

• Impact of Departure and Destination Airports on Prices:

Flights departing from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) and Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) generally have relatively lower prices, which may be related to the large freight volume and intense competition at these two airports. Flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) have relatively higher prices, but its route network has wide coverage and the transit service is more flexible.

• Transit and Direct Flights:

Direct - flight prices are relatively higher, but the transportation time is shorter, suitable for goods with high - timeliness requirements. Transit - flight prices are relatively lower, but the transportation time is longer, suitable for goods with low - time requirements.

• Impact of Cargo Weight on Prices:

The prices of lightweight goods (45KG+) are usually higher, while the prices of heavier goods (1000KG+) are relatively lower. This is because the transportation cost of heavier goods is relatively fixed, and the unit - weight cost will decrease as the weight of the goods increases.

• Recommendations:

Choose the Right Operating Airline: If the transportation time requirement is not high, China Southern Airlines or China Cargo Airlines with lower prices can be selected. If there are high requirements for transportation time and service quality, Cathay Pacific Airways or All Nippon Airways can be chosen.
Consider the Departure and Destination Airports: If the goods depart from southern China, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport are good choices, as the flight prices at these airports are relatively low and the flight frequencies are high. If the goods need to be transited, Hong Kong International Airport is a good option. Although the price is higher, its route network and transit services are more flexible.

• Weigh Direct and Transit Flights:

For goods with high - timeliness requirements, it is recommended to choose direct flights. Although the price is higher, it can ensure the rapid arrival of goods.For goods with low - timeliness requirements, transit flights can be selected to save transportation costs.

• Select the Price Range According to the Cargo Weight:

For lightweight goods, it is recommended to choose flights with lower prices to control transportation costs. For heavier goods, it is recommended to choose flights with higher prices, because the unit - weight cost will decrease as the weight of the goods increases.

Air Freight Prices from Major Chinese Cities to Australia in February 2025

The air freight prices from major Chinese cities to Australia are affected by many factors and fluctuate frequently. The following are the approximate price ranges:

• Shanghai: 6.75 – 11.05 $/kg
• Beijing: 6.15 – 10.43 $/kg
• Guangzhou: 4.67 - 7.50 $/kg
• Shenzhen: 6.06 - 11.32 $/kg
• Chongqing: 4.39 –9.28 $/kg
• Hong Kong: 5.72 - 8.35 $/kg