The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved $400 million in sovereign-backed financing to support the Hubei Global Air Cargo Logistics Project, aiming to transform Ezhou in central China into a global air freight hub. The project will develop a cutting-edge bonded logistics park adjacent to the Hubei Ezhou Huahu International Airport, Asia’s first dedicated freight airport.
The logistics park will feature advanced infrastructure, including bonded warehousing, customs operations, international cargo stations, and trade services, all supported by state-of-the-art technology to streamline operations. By leveraging the air freight capacity of the Huahu Airport, the project is projected to handle over 600,000 tons of international air freight annually by 2030, enhancing cross-border trade and fostering sustainable economic development in the region.
“AIIB has brought significant value to the project by introducing leading practices in green and smart logistics operations. By prioritising sustainable design and operational efficiency, the Hubei Global Air Cargo Logistics Project is set to become a benchmark for green infrastructure in the region. With globally recognised green building certifications for all warehouses, this project exemplifies how innovation and sustainability can drive economic and environmental value,” said Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB Vice President for Investment Clients Region 2 and Project and Corporate Finance, Global.
Aligned with AIIB’s mission of “Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow,” the project incorporates robust environmental and social safeguards. Measures include an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, a Resettlement Plan, and a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, ensuring adherence to high standards while promoting gender inclusion and local development opportunities.
The initiative integrates smart and green logistics practices, with frameworks provided by industry leaders like GLP to achieve low-carbon and climate-resilient operations. The project’s warehouses will meet globally recognised green building standards, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.
“This project marks a significant step toward establishing Ezhou as an international air logistics hub, enhancing cross-border connectivity and trade for the Wuhan Metropolitan Area and beyond. By optimising the logistics network of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, we aim to attract global aviation and logistics enterprises, foster regional integration, and drive collaborative innovation. With AIIB’s support in comprehensive planning, green and low-carbon design, and climate resilience measures, we are setting a benchmark for sustainable logistics development and positioning Ezhou as a gateway for international trade development in Hubei Province,” said Xuezhi Wei, Assistant General Manager of the Ezhou Linkong Group Co., Ltd.
