SF Airlines Launches Urumqi-Islamabad Cargo Route

SF Airlines, a subsidiary of one of China’s largest logistics and courier companies, has operationalized a new air cargo route linking Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Pakistani state media recently reported this development.

The Urumqi-Islamabad route is the first all-cargo route launched by SF Airlines in Xinjiang to Pakistan. “It will carry cross-border e-commerce goods and other products,” stated the air cargo carrier. Two round-trip flights are scheduled each week, providing more than 110 tons of air transport capacity weekly.

Enhancing China-Pakistan Trade

China and Pakistan share deep economic and strategic ties, with both countries working together on business and trade initiatives. While large-scale projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remain central to economic cooperation, both governments have encouraged private-sector-led initiatives to strengthen bilateral trade.

“The Urumqi-Islamabad route will build an efficient and stable air logistics channel for Xinjiang products to go overseas,” SF Airlines added. The new air cargo route reflects a growing effort to enhance connectivity, particularly in e-commerce, logistics, and cross-border trade.

Expanding SF Airlines’ Network

With the launch of the Urumqi-Islamabad route, SF Airlines now serves three cities in Pakistan, including Karachi and Lahore, in addition to Islamabad. SF Airlines plans to continue focusing on expanding its international route network and supply chains.

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Headquartered in Shenzhen, SF Airlines is China’s largest air cargo carrier by fleet size. According to statistics from the cargo carrier, it operates 89 all-cargo freighters, including 16 Boeing 737Fs, four Boeing 747Fs, 41 Boeing 757Fs, and 21 Boeing 767Fs. In December, the cargo carrier added its first Boeing 737-800 narrowbody freighter, and in February, Boeing delivered its 100th completed 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to the cargo carrier.

The airline’s expansion aligns with China’s rapidly growing e-commerce sector, where cross-border trade has become a major economic driver. In 2023, China’s e-commerce imports and exports reached 2.38 trillion yuan ($328.3 billion), up 15.6 percent from the previous year, according to official Chinese data. SF Airlines has played a key role in supporting this boom, operating a fleet of 89 all-cargo freighters that transport goods across domestic and international markets.