You need to ship electronics from Shenzhen to Los Angeles within a week. Sea freight is too slow for such a tight deadline, while express courier proves too expensive for larger shipments. In this situation, air freight offers the right balance of speed and cost. Yet with so many providers available, it can be difficult to know who to trust. That’s why a China air freight company list is invaluable. It helps importers compare cargo airlines, evaluate forwarders, and understand services such as cargo insurance before choosing the right partner. In this guide, we’ll review major carriers, typical costs, and expert tips to help your business select the best air freight solution.
Leading Air Cargo Airlines in China
China is home to several dedicated cargo carriers that dominate international trade routes:
- China Southern Cargo – The largest air cargo carrier in China, operating a vast fleet with routes to North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
- Air China Cargo – Strong in Asia–Europe and trans-Pacific trade, with reliable scheduling.
- China Eastern Cargo – Well known for serving Europe and Oceania markets.
- SF Airlines – Focused on express and e-commerce, connecting domestic and international hubs.
These airlines form the backbone of China’s global air freight industry, carrying thousands of tons of cargo daily.
Freight Forwarders That Provide Flexibility
While airlines operate planes, freight forwarders add flexibility. Working with a forwarder gives you access to multiple carriers, customs support, and end-to-end solutions. Leading providers typically combine air cargo with:
- Sea freight for bulk shipments.
- Rail freight for Europe-bound goods.
- Express services for e-commerce and parcels.
- Door-to-door delivery to simplify the process.
In addition, freight forwarders often offer customs brokerage, cargo insurance, and import services to reduce risks and delays.
Typical Costs & Transit Times
| Route Example | Cost per kg (USD) | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| China → USA (Los Angeles, New York) | $5.5 – $9.0 | 5–7 days | Electronics, retail goods |
| China → Europe (Frankfurt, London) | $6.0 – $9.5 | 5–8 days | Automotive, apparel |
| China → Middle East (Dubai) | $5.0 – $8.0 | 4–6 days | Retail, construction supplies |
| China → Oceania (Sydney, Melbourne) | $6.0 – $9.2 | 5–8 days | Apparel, e-commerce orders |
| China → Africa (Johannesburg) | $6.5 – $10.0 | 6–9 days | Machinery, spare parts |
As you can see, costs vary by destination and cargo type. However, air freight remains the fastest way to move goods internationally.
Regional Focus of Air Freight Providers
Different providers have strengths in different regions:
- Shipping from China to North America – Strong coverage with direct flights to major U.S. hubs.
- Shipping from China to Europe – Airlines and forwarders specialize in Frankfurt, London, and Paris.
- Shipping from China to Middle East – Dubai serves as a central hub for goods entering the region.
- Shipping from China to Oceania – Sydney and Melbourne are key destinations.
- Shipping from China to Africa – Johannesburg leads for heavy industrial imports.
Consequently, importers should always confirm whether their chosen forwarder has proven experience in the target market.
How to Select the Right Air Freight Company
When using a China air freight company list, don’t just pick the biggest name. Instead, evaluate based on:
- Global Reach: Do they cover your target region?
- Speed: Can they meet your delivery deadlines?
- Reliability: Do they have a strong on-time record?
- Support Services: Do they provide customs, insurance, and delivery?
- Flexibility: Can they offer both direct flights and multimodal solutions?
By considering these factors, businesses ensure smoother logistics and fewer surprises.
Why Work With TJ China Freight
Unlike airlines that focus only on flights, TJ China Freight integrates multiple carriers into one seamless solution. As a China air freight forwarder, we secure competitive space, provide customs clearance, and arrange door-to-door delivery. Moreover, we combine air freight with sea, rail, and express to give businesses flexibility.
Q1: Which is the largest air cargo carrier in China?
China Southern Cargo is currently the largest, with extensive global routes.
Q2: Why work with a freight forwarder instead of directly with airlines?
Forwarders combine multiple carriers and add services like customs brokerage and insurance.
Q3: How much does air freight cost per kg from China?
Typically between $5.5 and $9.5 depending on destination and season.
Q4: What is the fastest way to ship from China?
Air freight or express shipping are the quickest options.
Q5: Do providers handle small parcels?
Yes, but express services are usually more suitable for lightweight cargo.
Q6: Which regions have the best coverage?
North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Conclusion
A China air freight company list helps importers identify the right carriers and forwarders. By comparing airlines and logistics partners, businesses can balance speed, cost, and reliability.
👉 Partner with TJ China Freight to simplify your air cargo logistics.
👉 Get a tailored quote today and ship smarter.