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Eurasian Freight Capacity Moves Closer to the Corridor

  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read

🚨 Market Signal

Eurasian freight development is shifting from corridor planning to operational capacity. China–Europe rail volumes reached a new milestone, Kazakhstan added regular wide-body freighter operations, and Uzbekistan secured stronger access to the Trans-Caspian route. Together, these developments support more diversified rail, air and multimodal connections across Eurasia. 


In this edition, we examine the latest China–Europe rail milestone, Cathay Cargo’s new scheduled freighter operations to Astana, Uzbekistan’s plans to increase freight flows through Caspian ports and Sojitz’s participation in the new Tashkent International Airport project.




China–Europe Rail Network Exceeded 130,000 Trips

China reported that the China–Europe Railway Express had completed more than 130,000 services since its launch, reflecting the continued expansion of scheduled rail freight between China and European markets.


  • The network has transported goods valued at more than US$520 billion.

  • China–Europe freight trains now connect 129 Chinese cities with 236 cities across 26 European countries.

  • Annual departures increased from 1,702 trains in 2016 to 20,022 trains in 2025.

  • Chinese authorities said the network will remain a development priority during the country’s 2026–2030 Five-Year Plan, with further work planned on route development, international coordination and operating efficiency.



Cathay Cargo Started Scheduled Freighter Operations to Astana

Cathay Cargo launched regular cargo operations to Astana on 1 August, adding dedicated air freight capacity between Hong Kong, Kazakhstan and the carrier’s wider Asia–Europe network.


  • The first scheduled Cathay freighter arrived at Astana International Airport on 1 August 2026.

  • The service is expected to operate up to five times per week. Flights are operated with Boeing 747 freighters, including the B747-8F and B747-400F.

  • The Astana stop integrates Kazakhstan into an established long-haul freighter network connecting Asian and European cargo markets.



Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Target More Freight via Caspian Ports

The governments of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan instructed their national railway companies to prepare an action plan for increasing Uzbek cargo flows through Aktau and Kuryk on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.


  • Rail freight between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan reached 32.3 million tonnes in 2025, an increase of 16%.

  • The countries have adopted a plan to raise bilateral railway corridor capacity from approximately 35 million to 60 million tonnes.

  • Aktau and Kuryk provide combined infrastructure capacity of approximately 22 million tonnes per year.

  • Container transit through Kazakhstan’s Caspian ports increased 3.8 times between 2022 and 2025.

  • The first phase of the Aktau container hub provides annual capacity of 140,000 TEUs, with expansion to 240,000 TEUs planned for 2027–2028.


Sojitz Confirmed Its Role in the New Tashkent Airport Project

Japanese trading company Sojitz confirmed its participation in the construction and future management of the New Tashkent International Airport, a project designed to support both passenger and cargo operations.


  • Sojitz estimated total project investment at more than ¥370 billion, approximately US$2.5 billion.

  • The airport is scheduled for commissioning in 2030. The project includes passenger, cargo, and logistics infrastructure.

  • Uzbekistan’s official project framework identifies Vision Invest, Sojitz and Incheon International Airport Corporation as international partners.

  • The airport is being developed in the Quyi Chirchiq and O‘rta Chirchiq districts of the Tashkent region.



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