The inaugural Shanghai-Santiago direct cargo flight, loaded with fresh Chilean cherries, lands smoothly at Pudong International Airport on Nov 18. [Photo/WeChat ID: pdnews]

China Southern Air Logistics has launched a new direct cargo flight from Shanghai to Santiago, Chile, significantly cutting logistics time between the two countries to under 24 hours.

The inaugural flight, CZ2582, left Santiago's Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, made a brief stop in Los Angeles, and then flew directly to Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Nov 18, marking the longest direct cargo route from the Chinese mainland.

The return flight was filled with fresh Chilean cherries, which, after clearing customs in Shanghai, were swiftly sent to local wholesale markets and distributed to supermarkets all over China.

The route uses a Boeing B777F freighter with a weekly capacity of around 500 metric tons.

China is the largest market for Chilean cherries, importing over 90 percent of Chile's exports each year. Projections indicate that during 2025-26, Chile will ship approximately 131 million boxes of cherries.

This route aims to boost trade by providing comprehensive logistics services that extend beyond basic transport, including warehousing, regional distribution, and supply chain finance. It will facilitate local businesses' participation in trade with Chile and promote cooperation in emerging fields like green energy and the digital economy.