SHANGHAI, Sept. 2(Xinhuanet)-- A MD-11 airplane took off from Shanghai-based Puding Airport Thursday, marking the opening of the first freight route between Shanghai and Europe.

The freight route runs three times a week-- every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Fan Hongxi, general manager of Shanghai Airlines, said that Shanghai has seen a rapid increase in cargo and passenger transport. The Hongxiao and Pudong International Airports have handled 19 million passengers and 1 million tons of cargo in the first six months this year.

Opening of the new route shows that Shanghai Airlines has a legup in European aviation market, as well as enhanced management potential.

As China's biggest EU trade partner, Germany snatches 30 percent of total EU trade with China. The new cargo flight has built a logistic tunnel for Germany to invest in China's Yangtze River Delta area. Enditem