China Cargo Airlines
China Cargo Airlines is a Chinese scheduled all-cargo carrier based in Shanghai, operating dedicated freighter services across major Asian, European and North American trade lanes.
About China Cargo Airlines
China Cargo Airlines was established in 1998 and is headquartered in Shanghai. It was created as China’s first airline dedicated to scheduled all-cargo operations and uses the IATA code CK and ICAO code CKK. The carrier operates within the China Eastern aviation group and is held through Eastern Air Logistics, the group’s air-freight and logistics business.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is the airline’s principal operating hub, placing it at the centre of one of Asia’s largest manufacturing and logistics regions. China Cargo Airlines links Shanghai with freight gateways elsewhere in China and across East and Southeast Asia, Europe and North America. Its network is designed around trade flows rather than passenger demand, so destinations and frequencies can change with shipping requirements.
The carrier operates a long-haul freighter fleet built primarily around Boeing 777 freighters and Boeing 747-400 freighters. These aircraft carry containerised cargo, pallets and specialist shipments rather than passengers, meaning there are no economy, premium-economy, business or first-class cabins. Cargo acceptance, handling and aircraft-loading requirements depend on shipment dimensions, weight, commodity type and route.
China Cargo Airlines participates in SkyTeam Cargo, the freight alliance associated with the broader SkyTeam network. This supports interline connections and coordinated cargo handling across a wider range of markets. As a cargo-only airline, it does not offer a passenger frequent-flyer programme; any loyalty benefits associated with China Eastern passenger travel are separate from China Cargo Airlines’ freight services.
A notable strength is the airline’s access to Shanghai’s extensive logistics infrastructure and China Eastern’s wider operational network, supporting connections between Chinese production centres and major overseas cargo hubs. The practical challenge for general travellers is that China Cargo Airlines does not operate passenger services or sell ordinary airline tickets. Its schedules may also be adjusted more frequently than passenger timetables in response to seasonal freight demand and supply-chain conditions.
Good to know
Flying with China Cargo Airlines — what to expect
Cargo Flights Only
China Cargo Airlines operates freighters rather than passenger aircraft. Travellers cannot book seats, select cabins or purchase ordinary passenger tickets from the airline.
Shanghai Cargo Hub
Most of the airline’s international operation is centred on Shanghai Pudong, a major Asian freight gateway. Shipment connections may involve onward trucking or partner-airline services.
Freighter Fleet
The fleet primarily uses Boeing 777 and Boeing 747-400 freighters suited to long-haul cargo operations. Aircraft assignments can vary according to payload, demand and operational requirements.
Shipment Rules Vary
Baggage allowances do not apply because the airline carries commercial freight rather than passenger luggage. Shippers should confirm weight, dimensions, packaging and restricted-goods requirements with an authorised cargo agent.
Schedules Can Change
Cargo frequencies may shift with seasonal demand and logistics conditions. Confirm current routing, acceptance deadlines and estimated delivery times before arranging a shipment.
Route network
Popular routes operated by China Cargo Airlines
Notable destinations on China Cargo Airlines's network.
CKShanghaidirectCKAmsterdamdirectCKFrankfurtdirectCKLos AngelesdirectCKChicagodirectCKNew YorkdirectCKTokyodirectCKOsakadirectCKSeouldirectCKSingaporedirectCKTaipeidirectDestination list is indicative of China Cargo Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from China
Other airlines based in China
FAQ
China Cargo Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport is its principal departure point. Other important departures occur at major overseas freight gateways served by its rotating international schedule.
- China Cargo Airlines does not publish a consistently fixed passenger-style destination count, and its active cargo network changes with schedules and commercial demand. Consult the airline or an authorised cargo agent for its current stations.
- The longest sectors are generally its trans-Pacific services linking Shanghai with North American cargo gateways. The precise longest active route can change as the airline adjusts its freight schedule.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. China Cargo Airlines is cargo-only, however, so ordinary passenger fares may not be available for this carrier.
- The airline carries freight from Shanghai to cargo centres across Asia, Europe and North America, including markets such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Chicago, Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul. Routes and frequencies can change with cargo demand.
- China Cargo Airlines primarily operates from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, one of China’s principal international air-freight gateways.
- China Cargo Airlines does not sell passenger plane tickets. Air-freight prices depend on the route, shipment weight and volume, commodity, capacity and seasonal demand.
- There is no carry-on allowance because China Cargo Airlines does not transport passengers. Commercial shipments are governed by cargo weight, size, packaging and dangerous-goods rules.