The launch ceremony of the all-cargo air route between Nanning and Singapore. [Photo by Liu Wenting/China News Services]

The all-cargo air route between Singapore and Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, officially opened on June 20, with the departure of the first carrier, operated by Tianjin Air Cargo, from Nanning Wuxu International Airport.

The carrier was loaded with cross-border commercial cargos such as cosmetics, wine and branded shoes and clothing. The flight will be conducted four times a week and the whole trip will take around three hours and 50 minutes.

Officials from the Commerce Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region said that the region has seen closer relations in communication and cooperation with Singapore in areas including the economy, trade, culture and tourism, thanks to the rapid construction of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor and the China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone. At present, Singapore is the largest source of foreign investment in Guangxi among all ASEAN countries. 

This new air route is expected to deepen commercial exchanges between Guangxi and Singapore and form a cargo transport network together with other cargo routes that have been launched previously, such as the one to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and the one to Bangkok in Thailand.

The customs department at Nanning Wuxu International Airport has taken measures to optimize inspection procedures, such as allowing companies to make declarations in advance to increase clearance efficiency.