SF Airlines Launches the First UK International Cargo Route from Ezhou to Derby

In order to accurately respond to the logistics needs of cross-border trade between China and the UK and help the construction of an independent and controllable international logistics supply chain, SF Airlines officially launched its first UK route "Ezhou = Derby" on March 8, 2026, further improving the route layout in the European region, and ushering in another milestone in deepening the European market and accelerating international development.

The "Ezhou = Derby" route links two major air cargo gateways, and the development potential is outstanding. Ezhou Huahu International Airport is the first   cargo-focused airport in China and Asia, and has become an "air outlet" based in central China and accessible to the world, with outstanding cargo distribution and transit capabilities. East Midlands International Airport in Derby is the second largest cargo airport in the UK and the core air cargo hub in central England. The opening of the new route will help integrate the advantages of hubs at both ends, stimulate the vitality of the market at both ends, broaden the air logistics channels open to the UK and Europe in central China, and promote international industrial docking and economic and trade cooperation.

In November 2025, SF International has begun charter flights to operate the freight route from Ezhou to Derby, filling the capacity gap of direct flights from Ezhou to the UK, and improving the end-to-end timeliness of cross-border logistics between China and the UK to the fastest 4 days. The upgrade service of SF Airlines and the use of self-operated B747-400ERF to open the "Ezhou = Derby" route will effectively improve the autonomy and stability of the route's operation, strengthen SF's service competitiveness in the UK and Europe, and provide more efficient and reliable international air freight solutions for the import and export of time-sensitive and high-value goods such as cross-border e-commerce, high-end manufacturing, and fresh cold chain.

With the launch of the "Ezhou = Derby" route, SF Airlines' cargo route has increased to 10 destinations in Europe, which stands as a powerful testament to the airline's steady enhancement of its international air cargo capabilities and its deeper engagement in the global division of labor. Moving forward, SF Airlines will keep up with the market trend, continue to optimize the fleet structure and route network, and provide internationally competitive aviation logistics services for Chinese brands to "go global" and Sino-foreign economic and trade exchanges.