The 2026 index, compiled by the China Economic Information Service, evaluates 25 major aviation hubs across five dimensions, including innovation resources and operational efficiency. It identifies the Asia-Pacific and North American regions as primary engines for industry transformation, driven by the increasing demands of digitalization and the low-altitude economy.

China’s strategy of leveraging free trade policies and airport economic zones has bolstered its multi-tiered airport system. The Yangtze River Delta remains a focal point of this growth; in 2025, the combined import and export value of Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang hit 2.2 trillion U.S. dollars, representing over 35 percent of China’s national total. This economic density provides a consistent stream of high-volume international cargo for local infrastructure.

YTO Skyhub, which commenced operations in late 2025, represents the latest generation of specialized air cargo facilities. Backed by a 12.2 billion yuan investment, the project currently maintains a designed annual handling capacity of 1.1 million metric tons. Planners expect this figure to eventually scale to 2.4 million metric tons, cementing the airport's position as a critical node in the global logistics network.