The “Kunming-Colombo” international cargo route was officially launched today with the arrival of SF Airlines’ B757-200 freighter, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka–China air cargo connectivity, the Airport & Aviation Services Sri Lanka Private Ltd (AASL) said.
The inaugural flight from Kunming to Colombo was welcomed with a celebratory water cannon salute organized by AASL upon its arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
The inaugural flight from Kunming to Colombo strengthens trade ties by establishing a direct, efficient air logistics corridor between these key economic hubs, known as the “Crossroads of the East”.
Colombo’s strategic location connects South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean shipping lanes, enhancing regional economic integration.
AASL further said it looks forward to strengthening the relationship with SF Airlines, contributing to the development of the air cargo industry in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, SF Airlines said this is China’s first scheduled all-cargo direct flight to Sri Lanka and a new milestone in SF Airlines’ expansion into the South Asian market.
The airline further said that it will enhance SF International’s competitiveness in Asia while providing robust logistics support for China-Sri Lanka trade, regional economic growth, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
“The ‘Kunming-Colombo’ route will operate twice weekly, operated by B757-200F freighters, with a weekly cargo capacity exceeding 110 metric tons. Primary exports include electronics, machinery parts, textiles, cross-border e-commerce parcels, and fresh flowers. Key imports feature Sri Lankan Ceylon tea, spices, and other speciality agricultural products, along with Indian electronics and Maldivian seafood transshipped via Colombo,” the airline said in a statement. (Newswire)