China Cargo Airlines opens new freighter link between Paris and Shanghai

China Cargo Airlines, the dedicated cargo arm of China Eastern Airlines, has expanded its European network with the launch of a new all-cargo service connecting Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Shanghai Pudong. The route, operated with Boeing 777 freighters, commenced on 20 November and will run three times weekly, according to an announcement by China Eastern.

The new connection is designed to meet strengthening airfreight demand between France and China, local media outlet Shanghai Observer reported. Eastbound flights are expected to carry chemicals and raw materials, while machinery and apparel will form the bulk of westbound shipments to France. From Paris, the carrier plans to extend coverage through its established European road feeder network, giving customers access to additional regional hubs.

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has been appointed to manage cargo handling at CDG. Under the agreement, WFS will provide full ramp operations for the 777F fleet and run road feeder services linking Paris with other airports across France and major European gateways. The handler highlighted that this latest deal builds on a partnership of over 25 years with China Cargo and its parent airline. WFS now provides cargo support for the carrier at multiple international locations including Arlanda, Bangkok, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Marseille and Milan.

Beyond freighter operations, WFS also handles all belly cargo from China Eastern’s passenger services in Paris.

China Cargo Airlines has been steadily expanding its widebody freighter fleet this year. The carrier has added four Boeing 777Fs in 2025 and has at least one more on order, bringing its total 777F fleet to 18, according to aircraft data from planespotters.net.

The Paris–Shanghai launch marks the airline’s second major European expansion this year. In May 2025, it introduced a scheduled route between Hefei Xinqiao International Airport and Belgium’s Liege Airport. The airline also maintains services to Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London Stansted and Budapest, the latter having joined its network in 2024.