Emirates is boosting its cargo capacity in China with the launch of a new service to Shenzhen utilizing a four-class Boeing 777-300ER, one of the world's largest twin-engine passenger aircraft.

The carrier announced that the new daily service to Shenzhen marks the airline's fourth gateway in the Chinese mainland and reinforces its East Asia growth strategy.

The inaugural flight touched down at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport on July 1.

Emirates now offers 42 weekly flights to four key cities in the Chinese mainland – Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

Adnan Kazim, deputy president and chief commercial officer, Emirates Airline, said the new service strengthens the carrier's presence in the Chinese mainland and is also aligned with the strengthening of China-UAE relations.

It is also a "strategic move" to seamlessly connect the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s innovation corridor - an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub that aims to attract global innovation resources, through our flights.

Enhanced cargo operations    

Emirates has been serving China since 2004 and plays a significant role in facilitating seamless connectivity to over 50 countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, covering one-third of the 150 countries and regions participating in the initiative.

The carrier noted that the expansion of the airline's operations will further boost inbound visitor volumes to the Greater Bay Area from GCC countries and Africa, while also supporting industries such as smart manufacturing, e-commerce, and biopharmaceuticals, through a 72-hour global supply chain system.

Emirates' wide-body Boeing 777-300ER, serving on the Dubai-Shenzhen route, offers 16 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight.

This allows it to further help amplify the "Aerial Silk Road" by integrating Shenzhen's advanced manufacturing sector with Emirates' global cargo network. The airline's cold chain capabilities will ensure the global accessibility and seamless transportation of perishable goods and pharmaceuticals.

The UAE is China's largest trading partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade reaching US$95 billion in 2023.

Emirates said aviation plays a key role in the rapid growth of trade exchanges between the two nations. Emirates' expansion into the Chinese mainland comes at an opportune time as the UAE and China's comprehensive strategic partnership deepens further, boosting cooperation in various sectors such as trade, technology, logistics, and investment.