The first resumed flight handles cargo at Ningbo. [Photo/Ningbo Xiangying Co for Yongpai app]

A direct cargo air link between Ningbo and Liege, Belgium, has resumed after a six-month pause, restoring a key logistics channel connecting eastern China with major distribution hubs across Europe.

A freighter from Liege operated by Belgium's ASL Airlines landed on Jan 8 at Ningbo Lishe International Airport. After unloading inbound cargo, the aircraft departed with 104 metric tons of goods from Ningbo and surrounding cities for Belgium, marking the route's return.

The Ningbo-Liege service is scheduled to operate three times a week, with flights planned for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Unlike previous operations that focused mainly on cross-border e-commerce, the relaunched route now handles a broader mix of cargo, combining general freight with online retail shipments.

Inbound cargo on the first flight consisted mainly of health products sourced from Germany and destined for Ningbo-based e-commerce companies. Outbound shipments included complete vehicles, tablet and phone accessories, and apparel, with cargo originating from multiple regions across eastern and southern China.

Located in the heart of Western Europe, Liege serves as a major logistics hub, allowing cargo from Ningbo to be quickly distributed to markets including Germany, the Netherlands, and France. The resumed service is expected to ease capacity constraints on Europe-bound exports, support advanced manufacturing and e-commerce in the Yangtze River Delta region, and boost air cargo volumes at Ningbo's airport.