In this undated file photo, SF Holding's freighters wait for loading at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

BEIJING - SF Airlines, China's largest air-cargo carrier, will support creating a global air-cargo hub in Ezhou in central China's Hubei province, the cargo airline said Monday.

The Ezhou Huahu Airport is Asia's first and the world's fourth cargo hub airport. Aside from its key task of handling air freight, the airport could also serve passenger flights. It is scheduled to open around the end of June this year

SF Airlines will gradually build an air route network covering the country and connecting worldwide with the Ezhou Huahu Airport as a core, targeting to reinforce local economy and sustain the country's modern logistics system, said the cargo airline.

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A B757-200 all-cargo freighter has just completed the verification flight test at the Ezhou Huahu Airport on Saturday to verify the flight procedure, navigation facilities and comprehensive support capabilities of the airport.

The Ezhou Huahu Airport is Asia's first and the world's fourth cargo hub airport. Aside from its key task of handling air freight, the airport could also serve passenger flights. It is scheduled to open around the end of June this year.

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Headquartered in Shenzhen, SF Airlines is the aviation branch of China's delivery giant SF Express. The size of its all-cargo freighter fleet is 69 by now and is expected to exceed 70 within the year.