By Jin Lu

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

On January 8, a freighter operated by Belgium's ASL Airlines arrived at Ningbo Lishe International Airport. After unloading inbound goods, the aircraft departed with 104 metric tons of cargo from Ningbo and surrounding areas bound for Belgium, marking the route's official return.

The Ningbo–Liege service is scheduled to operate three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Unlike previous operations that focused largely on cross-border e-commerce, the relaunched route will carry a broader mix of shipments, including general freight alongside online retail goods.

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

Liege, located in the heart of Western Europe, is a major logistics hub, enabling rapid distribution to markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, and France. The resumed service is expected to relieve capacity pressures on Europe-bound exports, support advanced manufacturing and e-commerce in the Yangtze River Delta, and boost air cargo volumes at Ningbo Lishe International Airport.