With the booming growth of cross-border e-commerce, express delivery of small packages has gradually become one of the important forces driving trade growth between China and the Netherlands. Through cooperation with China Southern, it has ensured cross-border merchants' deliveries of a large number of overseas packages.

A Hangzhou, Zhejiang province-based merchant involved in the cross-border e-commerce business said the rich network of China Southern's services has enabled him to expand his business in the Netherlands. It only takes three days for his customers in the Netherlands to receive packages delivered from China.

The cargo routes of China Southern that connect Amsterdam and Chinese cities have further established the position of the Netherlands in facilitating trade in Europe, and indirectly promote employment and economic growth locally, the carrier said.

Over the past few years, China Southern has transported more than 500,000 tons of inbound and outbound goods to Amsterdam annually. Between 2021 and 2025, China Southern plans to introduce more Boeing B777 freighters to increase transportation capacity in Amsterdam.

The International Air Transport Association recently announced an expected strengthening of airline industry profitability in an upgrade of its outlook for 2023. Cargo volumes are expected to reach 57.8 million tons this year, below the 61.5 million tons carried in 2019, with a sharp slowing of international trade volumes.

Cargo revenue remains above pre-pandemic levels even though volumes have not. On the cost side, there is some relief. Jet fuel prices, although still high, moderated over the first half of the year, the IATA said.