SF Airlines Launches Nation's First Dedicated Matsutake Mushroom Cargo Route

On August 5, 2021, SF Airlines launched a specialized "Shangri-La=Kunming=Shenzhen" matsutake mushroom transport route using B757-200 freighters, enabling fresh mushrooms from Diqing, Yunnan to reach southern China markets before nationwide distribution via Shenzhen. This groundbreaking route represents both the first all-cargo service from a regional airport in southwest China and the nation's first dedicated freighter route for wild matsutake mushrooms. The "Matsutake Route" will significantly improve distribution conditions for Shangri-La mushrooms while enhancing logistics experiences for consumers.

Diqing, renowned as the "Matsutake Homeland", accounts for over 65% of Yunnan's fresh mushroom exports according to official data. With rising e-commerce demand, logistics requirements for these delicate fungi - known for their exacting growth and transportation conditions - have grown substantially. Transportation speed and temperature control prove critical for preserving quality, directly impacting product reputation and farmer incomes.

On June 25, SF Express unveiled a comprehensive matsutake shipping solution featuring four customized service guarantees across delivery, resource allocation, customer service, and technology. The new freighter route forms a key component of this solution alongside SF's ground network and cold chain, enabling complete temperature-controlled air transport. This supports a multimodal "air+high-speed rail+road" system where fresh matsutake can reach 60 major cities within 24 hours and over 200 cities within 48 hours - maximizing quality preservation while expanding market reach.

Operating from high-altitude Diqing Airport presents complex challenges. To ensure service quality, SF Airlines established a dedicated task force in June and completed critical preparatory work in July under Shenzhen CAAC supervision, including simulator verification and high-altitude/RNP AR test flights. These efforts optimized operational plans prior to launch.

As a high-speed, reliable transport solution, freighter services represent vital infrastructure for rural e-commerce and agricultural modernization. Moving forward, SF Airlines will continue leveraging its 66-strong freighter fleet and 80+ destination network to refine fresh produce logistics, empowering rural revitalization through enhanced supply chain solutions.