On 28 July, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) released Notice for the Construction Plans of National Logistics Hubs in 2023. A total of 30 national logistics hubs were included in this year's list, with the Wuhan-Ezhou Airport-based National Logistics Hub emerging successfully chosen.
The Wuhan-Ezhou Airport-based National Logistics Hub stands out as a unique airport-type hub, jointly developed by two cities in accordance with the national logistics hub layout and construction plan. Over the past few years, Wuhan and Ezhou have been actively promoting the construction of this hub with the aim of establishing a world-class air cargo hub. Both cities have coordinated efforts, uniting relevant units, engaging in extensive discussions to formulate the constrction plan, and meticulously preparing declaration documents. This dedication effectively highlights the advantages of Huahu Airport as the nation's only dedicated cargo hub airport, creating a dual hub for both air passengers and cargo alongside Wuhan Tianhe Airport. Jointly facilitated by Hubei Airport Group, Tianhe Airport, Huahu Airport, Wuhan Tianhe Airport, and SF Airlines have provided fully support in the construction, and the Wuhan-Ezhou Airport-type National Logistics Hub succeeded among nearly 50 competing cities aiming to host national logistics hubs.
The approved investment for the Wuhan-Ezhou Hub totals RMB 10.9 billion, covering a land area of 47,567 mu. Within this, Wuhan Tianhe Airport area receives an investment of RMB 1.86 billion, encompassing a space of 30,787 mu. This area features dedicated zones for domestic transshipment, postal and express handling, international transshipment, professional freight, comprehensive services, and bonded logistics. Meanwhile, Ezhou Huahu Airport area receives a RMB 9.05 billion investment, covering 16,780 mu and featuring transshipment centers, express logistics, international logistics, and air-rail intermodal transport zones. The hub is conceived, funded, and operated by the restructured Hubei Airport Group. Upon completion, it will play a pivotal role in enhancing the "East-South-West-North-Central" national air cargo hub network, fostering a "global 123 express cargo flow circle" and a "national 123 travel traffic circle," ultimately shaping a new inland-coastal development pattern.
In the next phase, Ezhou will collaborate further with Wuhan, utilizing the dual-hub strategy to integrate existing facilities, accelerate the development of new ones, concentrate on air hub economy, and create a high-quality model for the logistics hub. Through these efforts, the city will pioneer the development of the such pilot areas within Hubei, taking the lead and contribute significantly to the new pattern of national economy.