Great Wall Airlines announced that it will add Tianjin to its freighter network with effect from 30 March. The new cargo flights will be operated by its B747-400 freighter fleet with a frequency of five flights weekly; three flights weekly with a routing of Shanghai- Tianjin-Amsterdam and two flights weekly routings with the addition of Manchester.

Great Wall Airlines is the first carrier to offer direct, scheduled all-cargo flights to Europe from Tianjin, the carrier said in a statement. President of Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Shao Dengxiang said: "The direct international cargo service provided by Great Wall Airlines will help to enhance Tianjin’s position as one of the premier international air cargo hubs of Northern China.

"With the rapid growth of Tianjin’s economy, the demand for air cargo transportation in this area is booming." The airport is gearing up for a forecast annual cargo turnover by 2010 of over 450,000 tonnes.

President of Great Wall Airlines, Tan Kai Ping said, "Our freighter services from Tianjin will enable us to support the supply chain needs of our customers for northern China. It is also our way of affirming our confidence in the future of Tianjin." Tan also said Great Wall would be announcing the launch of services to the US in a "few months" time.

Singapore Airlines Cargo holds a 25 per cent stake in the all-cargo Great Wall Airlines which is based in Shanghai Pudong Airport. Great Wall Airlines currently operates a fleet of three B747- 400 freighters, with a network covering the major cargo hubs of Amsterdam, Manchester and Dubai.