Jiangsu Jingdong Cargo Airlines' Airbus A330 lands at Nantong Xingdong International Airport on Jan 7. [Photo/WeChat account: ntjoy2012]

Jiangsu Jingdong Cargo Airlines' first Airbus A330 wide-body cargo plane landed at Nantong Xingdong International Airport in Jiangsu province on Jan 7.

Renowned for its robust cargo capacity and extended range, this heavy-duty aircraft is set to significantly enhance Nantong's air logistics network, connecting the city more efficiently to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

As the first heavy-duty aircraft in Jingdong Cargo Airlines' fleet, the Airbus 330P2F boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 233 metric tons and can accommodate up to 61 tons of cargo, with a total cargo hold volume of 453 cubic meters.

Captain Wu Jun, who pilots this model, said, "Compared to the previously used Boeing 737, which carries about 20 tons, this aircraft extends our flight range from five to 10 or even 12 hours. This allows for direct flights from Nantong to various European destinations, such as Paris, France, and the West Coast of the United States."

The A330's extensive range and substantial cargo capacity not only bolster Jingdong Logistics' international expansion efforts but also provide strong support for the growth of Nantong's export-oriented economy. This development fosters deeper integration and connectivity between Nantong and key regions like the Middle East and Europe in trade and logistics.

As the first local cargo airline based in Nantong, Jiangsu Jingdong Cargo Airlines aims to achieve a cargo throughput of 15,000 tons at Nantong Xingdong International Airport by 2025, with 5,000 tons being international cargo. The arrival of the A330 wide-body cargo plane will facilitate more efficient international circulation of Nantong's export goods and signifies that the Nantong airport now possesses the full capability to support large wide-body cargo aircraft.