05 Mar 2026

#1 March 2026: China Aviation Industry Newsletter

DHL Group and JD.com Sign MoU to Support German Brand Expansion

DHL Group and JD.com signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Beijing to support German brands expanding into China and to strengthen their presence in European markets through JD.com’s retail platform, Joybuy.

Under the agreement, DHL will introduce German brands to JD.com’s ecosystem, enabling them to access more than 700 million Chinese consumers via JD.com’s cross-border e-commerce platform, JINGDONG Cross-border. The collaboration combines DHL’s global logistics network with JD.com’s fulfillment and delivery capabilities in China, alongside preferential B2C import schemes designed to streamline market entry for European brands.

Shanghai Airports Set New Single-Day Passenger Records

Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport reported record-breaking traffic during the Chinese New Year holiday period. Over the holiday, the two airports handled 3.66 million passenger trips, averaging 407,000 daily passengers, a 5.5% increase year-on-year.

Between 20–22 February, daily passenger volumes reached 425,000, 431,000 and 438,000 respectively, setting consecutive single-day records. Growth was supported by rising inbound tourism and strong domestic seasonal demand.

Cathay Group Releases January 2026 Traffic Figures

Cathay Pacific reported an 11% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers for January 2026, with Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) rising 14%. Cathay Cargo recorded a 5% increase in cargo volumes, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) rose 3%.

The Cathay Group’s passenger airlines, Cathay Pacific and HK Express, carried over 3.3 million passengers during the month. On 14 February 2026, Cathay Pacific surpassed 100,000 passengers in a single day for the first time, carrying 100,747 passengers. Combined with HK Express, the Group transported approximately 128,000 passengers that day.

Acumen’s Take

On DHL–JD.com Cross-Border Alignment

Integrated logistics and e-commerce partnerships are reshaping cross-border trade flows. Combining fulfillment infrastructure with digital retail access strengthens supply chain efficiency while expanding brand reach in high-growth consumer markets.

On Shanghai’s Traffic Momentum

New passenger records during peak travel periods reinforce the resilience of China’s aviation recovery. Sustained inbound tourism and domestic mobility continue to underpin capacity growth at major hub airports.

On Cathay’s Early 2026 Performance

Double-digit passenger growth alongside steady cargo expansion signals balanced demand across both segments. Record single-day volumes highlight continued long-haul recovery and strengthening regional connectivity.

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