A new direct air cargo route linking Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province with Bangkok was launched on Tuesday, reported Xinhua.

The inaugural flight carried cross-border e-commerce parcels and electronic products from Wuhan Tianhe International Airport to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. JD Logistics said outbound flights will prioritise high-value goods such as consumer electronics and precision instruments.

Return flights will bring Thai tropical fruit, notably durians, and other fresh produce to Hubei Province. The service is operated by JD Airlines using Boeing 737-800 freighters.

Huo Junxi, deputy director of JD Logistics' aviation department, said the new service underscores Wuhan's growing role as a logistics hub and manufacturing centre.

Liu Rui, deputy head of corporate management at Hubei Airport Group, said it is the only direct cargo flight between Wuhan and Bangkok. Previously, shipments had to transit through hubs such as Hong Kong, adding about six hours to delivery times. The new route cuts transport time by half.

Flight frequency will vary seasonally, with three services a week from January to October, rising to five weekly flights during the November-December peak season, according to the operator.