Chinese logistics player Hongyuan Group is eyeing more growth in its air freight operations in Europe as it looks to set up its own air hub at Brussels Airport.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to further develop the Belgian airport as a main gateway and channel for general cargo and e-commerce flows between China and Europe.

Hongyuan has signed a long-term lease agreement for a warehouse at Brussels Airport that will serve as its European headquarters and will enable further expansion into Europe.

The 8,000-sqm warehouse, located at the Brucargo logistics zone, has first line access and will offer high-end services for Hongyuan’s customers in China and Europe, including an integrated IT platform to enable on-the-spot traceability.

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Brussels says the long-term lease will strengthen the airport’s connectivity to Asia, with Hongyuan becoming the first Chinese logistics player to establish a footprint at the air hub.

Hongyuan Group has been operating at Brussels Airport since October of last year with chartered flights operated by different airlines. With the new warehouse, the Chinese firm is looking to intensify its activities and hire more people at the air hub. It also plans to operate its own airline starting next year.

“We have the ambition to become a key partner in the world of logistics around Brussels Airport. In the future, we want to gradually open additional international freight routes such as Europe, America and Southeast Asia and increase export business to China,” said Cling Guo, director of Hongyuan Group Europe.