China has opened a new logistics route combining rail and air transport for faster delivery of goods to Europe. The first combined flight departed from Guangzhou International Logistics Port.

How the new route works

A goods train carrying small household appliances, chemical products and clothing demanded in cross-border trade has headed to Sanping Station in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The train journey will take 66 hours.

After unloading, the goods will be transported to Urumqi Airport, from where they will be sent to European cities by air.

Why it's important

The combined scheme reduces the delivery time to one week. In comparison, delivery by rail alone takes 15 to 20 days. Thus, the travelling time is reduced by at least three times.

Context

The launch of the new route is part of China's ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative and is aimed at developing the Air Silk Road - a modern concept of accelerated logistics between Asia and Europe.

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