In-Depth Analysis of Global Aviation Industry Developments

1. International Cargo Networks Expand Rapidly  

China's air cargo sector is making progress in multiple areas. On April 24, Apex Logistics launched the "Hanoi-Ezhou-Chicago" international cargo route, operated by Atlas Air's B747F freighter. This transcontinental route will initially run three times weekly and increase to six flights by May 21. It focuses on high-value goods like electronics and auto parts, fully utilizing Ezhou's role as Asia’s first dedicated cargo hub.  

Notably, Chengdu announced plans to open or expand 14 international passenger and cargo routes to 13 cities by 2025. Key projects include an 11-hour "Asia-Europe Cargo Corridor" and a 5-hour "Asia-Pacific Cargo Network." By connecting strategic hubs like Paris and Dubai, Chengdu aims to strengthen its position as a global logistics hub for central and western China.  

2. Steady Progress in China’s Homegrown Aircraft Strategy  

China’s C919 program reached a milestone: Air China took delivery of its 35th C919 (registration B-658G) on April 23. The Southwest branch now operates 12 C919s, flying 14 routes across cities like Wuhan and Zhengzhou. Using a "regional-to-trunk" network model, these planes achieve 8.3 hours of daily use per aircraft, 15% higher than traditional trunk-line jets. This expansion highlights China’s growing role in reshaping global aviation systems.  

3. Shifts in Aerospace Manufacturing Competition  

Global aerospace manufacturers are following different paths. Embraer reported record-high order backlogs of $26.4 billion in Q1 2025, with private jet orders rising 3% to $7.6 billion, showing strong demand for luxury air travel. Its $4.6 billion service-and-support business also reflects the growing value of aftermarket services.  

Meanwhile, Boeing’s backlog surpassed $545 billion (¥3.98 trillion), covering 5,600+ commercial aircraft. Despite increasing 737 production to 38 units monthly, delivery timelines now stretch to 7-8 years, exposing global capacity shortages. However, its Q1 net loss narrowed to $31 million, partly due to an 18% cut in R&D spending—a risky trade-off for long-term innovation.  

4. Innovations in Specialized Air Logistics  

Sanya Airport has created a "Lychee Air Express" for fresh fruit transport. By setting up dedicated channels and temperature-controlled solutions, it handles up to 120 tons of lychees daily. This "farm-to-airport" model ensures nationwide delivery within 48 hours and East Asian coverage in 72 hours, boosting farmers’ profits by over 25%. This case demonstrates how air logistics can modernize agricultural supply chains.  

Industry Outlook  

The aviation sector is undergoing three major shifts:  

- Cargo networks evolving into multi-hub systems  

- Manufacturing competition diversifying  

- Service models extending into value-added chains  

China’s strategy—combining homegrown aircraft, hub development, and niche logistics—is reshaping global aviation. Over the next three years, as Chengdu expands its routes and C919 production scales up, China’s influence in global air transport is set to grow significantly.  

(Data as of April 25, 2025)