China News Service reported from Guangzhou on 19 October 2026 that China Southern Air Logistics Co., Ltd. officially launched its Guangzhou to Nairobi all-cargo freighter route that day. The inaugural return flight landed at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport carrying African products such as crabs and fresh flowers.
It is the first East Africa cargo route opened by China Southern Air Logistics and adds a direct air logistics link between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Africa.
The report described Nairobi as an important economic center and transport hub in East Africa and the region's largest e-commerce consumer market, serving more than ten neighboring countries. It said demand in Africa for Chinese-made new energy equipment, electronics and general e-commerce goods is strong, and that China Southern's Africa-bound export cargo volume has grown more than 80% year on year so far this year.
The route is operated with Boeing 777 freighters, with a one-way flight time of about 10 hours. Outbound flights mainly carry Chinese manufactured products for East Africa's new energy construction and consumer markets, while return flights can carry East African flowers and fresh agricultural products for distribution across China through Guangzhou.
China Southern Air Logistics said the freighter service will complement belly cargo capacity on its existing passenger flights, and the airline expects its overall Africa cargo volume to rise significantly in October.