Chinese carrier Sichuan Airlines Cargo will operate freighter flights between Chengdu and Brussels from April 2019.

Brussels will become the airline’s first freighter destination in Europe, and will initially be served three times a week. The frequency will gradually be increased to six times a week by 2020.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sichuan Airlines Cargo to Brussels Airport,” said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company. “In addition to being our first Chinese full-freighter airline, it will provide us with a direct link to Chengdu Airport, which has been chosen as the new hub for SF Express, one of the main e-commerce operators in China. Sichuan Airlines strengthens our network in the centre of China, and also supports our medium- to long-term e-commerce strategy.”

Sichuan Airlines Cargo recently acquired two Airbus A330-200Fs.

Brussels Airport added three freighter airlines to its portfolio in 2018 and handled 732,000 tonnes of cargo during the year.