First direct cargo flight links Chongqing, Africa

A new cargo airline was launched on Wednesday morning between China's southwestern Municipality of Chongqing, and Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, via Delhi in India.

It is the first regular cargo flight that links the city with Africa, according to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.

The first flight left Chongqing at 5:50 a.m. Wednesday, loaded with 103 tonnes of electronic devices and cloth products manufactured in Chongqing.

The air route, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, is scheduled to fly two times per week. The route and frequency of the flight will be adjusted as needed, according to the airport.

The new air route is expected to boost economic exchanges between Chongqing and Africa's emerging markets.

Chongqing is a major aviation hub in China's southwestern regions. The city so far has opened 85 international air routes and is planning to open cargo airlines to Bombay in India and Dhaka in Bangladesh.