Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new cargo service connecting Macao, China, to Madrid, Spain, marking another step in its expanding global freight network.
The route, operated by a Boeing 777 freighter, officially began with a departure from Macao International Airport earlier today. Initially scheduled to run twice a week, this new service is expected to facilitate the transport of various goods, including electronics, furniture, toys, clothing, and cosmetics.
The airline anticipates that the Macao–Madrid route will contribute significantly to the region’s cargo activity, potentially adding more than 20,000 tons of cross-border freight throughput annually. This development strengthens Macao’s position as a growing logistics hub and reinforces Ethiopian Airlines’ role as a key player in global air cargo.
Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines has previously established dedicated cargo routes from other major Chinese cities, such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. This new route complements those efforts and supports the airline’s broader strategy to deepen ties within China’s booming e-commerce and manufacturing sectors. Notably, the carrier signed important agreements last December with Xiamen Iport Group and China Henan Aviation Group, aimed at boosting air freight cooperation.
Aman Wole Gurmu, Ethiopian Airlines’ Country Director for China, emphasized that the Macao route would help enhance connectivity within the Greater Bay Area—a critical economic zone in southern China known for its high volume of exports. The initiative aligns with the airline’s ongoing efforts to support global trade through reliable and efficient cargo solutions.
To keep pace with growing demand, Ethiopian Cargo expanded its fleet in January by adding another Boeing 777 freighter, bringing the total to eleven. The airline also operates several converted freighters, including Boeing 737-800Fs and 767-300Fs, some of which were newly delivered as recently as December. With a strong network that spans over 70 dedicated cargo destinations and more than 140 passenger routes across five continents, Ethiopian Airlines continues to grow its footprint in the global logistics space.