China’s Air Logistics Market Reaches Record Highs

2025 Cargo Volume Surpasses Historic Thresholds

The newly released industry report details significant expansion across domestic and international networks during 2025. National civil aviation cargo and mail volume hit 1017.2万吨, driven by strong international demand. International routes alone accounted for 440.25万吨, representing a 22.1% year-over-year increase and exceeding 40% of the total cargo volume. Operators launched 252 new freight routes nationwide, including 214 international paths, bringing the total number of all-cargo aircraft to 272 units with wide-body models lifting their share to 22%. Furthermore, 24 airport-type national logistics hubs handled a volume concentration accounting for over 85% of all airport freight nationwide.

Did You Know? The 2025 reporting period marks the first time China’s national civil aviation cargo and mail transport volume has crossed the ten-million-ton threshold, capping a rapid period of logistical expansion.

Transitioning Toward High-Value Goods and Smart Logistics

Industry experts emphasize that the sector is shifting from sheer scale expansion to a focus on quality and efficiency. Analysts point out that cargo structures are evolving to accommodate a higher proportion of time-sensitive, high-value goods that match modern supply chain needs. Li Zongling, general manager of the transportation business department at the China Air Transport Association, noted that high-value products align closely with the timeliness, safety, and convenience offered by airlines, though matching supply with shifting demand remains a key operational hurdle. Experts suggest optimizing capacity layouts and addressing infrastructure gaps to meet these market shifts.

Smart Infrastructure and Data Interconnection Initiatives

To support ongoing qualitative changes, regulatory bodies are pushing for deeper digital transformation. Wang Weijun, deputy director of the transport department at the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), stated that smart operations have become a core pillar of high-quality industry growth. The administration plans to accelerate the construction of a public aviation logistics information service platform. Officials aim to drive data connection work, encourage more airlines and airports to achieve data interoperability, and support airport groups in leveraging technical strengths to close infrastructure gaps across the full logistics chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the total civil aviation cargo volume in 2025?
According to the report released at the conference, national civil aviation cargo and mail volume reached 1017.2万吨, representing a 13.3% year-on-year increase.

How did international cargo routes perform?
International routes completed 440.25万吨 of cargo and mail transport, marking a 22.1% increase and accounting for more than 40% of the overall freight total.

What steps are regulators taking to improve logistics efficiency?
The CAAC is advancing supply-side structural reform by building a public aviation logistics information service platform to foster data sharing and interoperability among airlines, airports, and logistics platforms.

How will the push for greater digital interconnectivity reshape air freight timelines for businesses relying on international supply chains?