Salmon swimming freely in Atlantic aquaculture net pens could be available for customers to purchase in Wuhan supermarkets just three days later. Such a scenario will soon become a reality.
On August 15, the East China Airlines Logistics Central China Fresh Port/Pharmaceutical Island project was launched within the comprehensive bonded zone of Ezhou Huahu International Airport. By the end of this year, upon completion of the first phase, Ezhou will add an imported salmon processing plant with an annual capacity exceeding 20,000 tons, helping Hubei establish itself as a central distribution hub for imported salmon.
In 2024, China imported over 100,000 tons of salmon from Norway, Chile, and other regions. Market analysts predict that by 2030, China’s salmon imports may exceed 200,000 tons.
The most popular way to enjoy salmon in China is as sashimi, consumed raw. This places high demands on the supply chain’s speed and processing capabilities. Only by swiftly transporting freshly harvested salmon from overseas and processing it domestically can it command premium market prices.
Since 2024, East China Airlines Logistics has been establishing fresh ports in Ningbo, Zhejiang, and Chengdu, Sichuan, creating salmon distribution centers for East China and western regions. The new Central China Fresh Port/Pharmaceutical Island in Ezhou means Hubei will have stronger capabilities to integrate into the imported salmon supply chain. Notably, leveraging Huahu Airport’s infrastructure advantages, the project combines logistics and processing functions for imported salmon—a rare approach domestically.
The Central China Fresh Port/Pharmaceutical Island will be constructed in two phases: The first phase includes a 5,000-square-meter salmon processing plant, expected to complete construction and begin trial operations by year-end. At full capacity, it will process over 20,000 tons annually with about 1.5 billion yuan in output value, matching global benchmarks in equipment, productivity, environmental standards, and digitalization. The second phase will develop a 3,000-square-meter Pharmaceutical Island as a temperature-sensitive medicine storage, maintenance, and distribution center, further improving regional medical cold chain logistics.
East China Airlines Logistics was among the first logistics companies to operate at Huahu Airport after its launch and is deeply involved in building Hubei’s air cargo hub. It has established regular routes to Miami, New York, and Oslo, along with seasonal charter flights transporting South American cherries and Boston lobsters. To date, the airline has operated over 350 flights at Huahu Airport, handling approximately 25,000 tons of fresh and pharmaceutical imports and exports, contributing about 750 million yuan in additional import value to Ezhou Port.
East China Airlines Logistics Central China Fresh Port/Pharmaceutical Island
The East China Airlines Logistics Central China Fresh Port/Pharmaceutical Island is a specialized logistics hub in China, focusing on the efficient transportation and storage of perishable goods and pharmaceuticals. It leverages advanced cold-chain technology to ensure product integrity, supporting regional and international trade. While specific historical details are limited, it reflects China’s growing emphasis on modern, high-tech logistics infrastructure to meet global supply chain demands.
Ezhou Huahu International Airport
Ezhou Huahu International Airport, located in Hubei Province, China, is a newly constructed airport that opened in 2021. It serves as a major cargo hub and passenger airport, designed to alleviate air traffic pressure from nearby Wuhan. The airport is part of China’s broader infrastructure development plans to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth.
Hubei
Hubei is a province in central China, known for its rich history and cultural significance. It was part of the ancient Chu State and is home to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. The provincial capital, Wuhan, is a major cultural and economic hub, historically famous as a crossroads of trade and transportation along the Yangtze River.
Ningbo
Ningbo is a historic port city in Zhejiang Province, China, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. It was a key hub of the Maritime Silk Road and remains an important economic and cultural center today. Notable landmarks include the Tianyige Museum, China’s oldest private library, and the Ningbo Museum, which showcases the city’s rich heritage.
Zhejiang
Zhejiang is a coastal province in eastern China, known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage. It was a key center of ancient Yue culture and later became a prosperous region during the Song Dynasty (960–1279), famed for its silk production, tea, and commerce. Today, Zhejiang is home to UNESCO sites like the West Lake in Hangzhou and the historic water towns, blending tradition with modern economic growth.
Chengdu
Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan Province, is a vibrant city with over 3,000 years of history, serving as a major cultural and economic hub in southwestern China. Renowned for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, teahouse culture, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the city blends ancient heritage with modernity. Key historical sites include the Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to the Three Kingdoms period, and Jinli Ancient Street, which reflects traditional Sichuan architecture and lifestyle.
Sichuan
Sichuan, a province in southwestern China, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes, including the UNESCO-listed Jiuzhaigou Valley and the Giant Panda Sanctuaries. It was a key region in ancient China, home to the Shu Kingdom (circa 1046–316 BCE) and later the Three Kingdoms (220–280 CE). Today, Sichuan is also famous for its spicy cuisine, particularly Sichuan peppercorns and dishes like hotpot, reflecting its deep cultural heritage.
Miami
Miami is a vibrant coastal city in southeastern Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and lively nightlife. Founded in 1896, it grew rapidly in the 20th century, influenced by Cuban and Latin American immigration, which shaped its unique identity. Today, Miami is a global hub for tourism, finance, and arts, with iconic neighborhoods like Little Havana and South Beach.
