Promising future

Despite the pressure, Shenzhen airport has overcome challenges and enhanced its freight capacity. And the changes it has made mainly in response to the new realities under the pandemic may prove strategic in its ambition to consolidate competitiveness in cargo and become an international cargo transportation hub in the years to come.

Wan says cold-chain delivery of medicines and other high-value products, such as seafood and fruits, will be a major area for future growth.

Shenzhen airport's trajectory is a reflection of China's efforts to catch up with global air freight leaders. Mao Lingke, senior logistics adviser at Cainiao Global Supply Chain, said the pandemic has exposed the country's weak point in air cargo transportation.

China's airfreight sector has lagged behind some developed countries in building a business ecosystem that involves pure cargo flights, international airlines and airport facilities.

The pandemic has shown the strategic significance of airfreight in maintaining global supply chains, as the shipments involve high-value-added commodities like bio-medicines and high-tech instruments.