Etihad Cargo signs deal with Ezhou Huahu airport

Etihad Cargo has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Ezhou Huahu Airport to expand across Asia-Pacific and enhance trade potential between China and global markets. The agreement was signed by Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways, Mr Luo Guowei, Party Committee Member and Deputy General Manager of Hubei Airport Group Company and Chairman of Hubei International Logistics Airport Company, and Mr Li Wei, Deputy General Manager of Hubei International Logistics Airport Company. The signing took place at the Etihad Cargo stand and marks the start of a long-term collaboration between the two organisations. As part of the agreement, Etihad Cargo will strengthen its strategic presence at Ezhou Huahu Airport, which will serve as a key gateway within its broader China network. This complements the carrier’s ongoing operations in Shanghai (PVG) and Shenzhen (SZX), ensuring nationwide access and greater flexibility for customers. “Ezhou Huahu Airport is already recognised across China for its outstanding capabilities and world-class logistics infrastructure,” said Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways. “This partnership will amplify Ezhou Huahu Airport’s strengths across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It represents an exciting opportunity to accelerate the development of more connected, efficient logistics solutions and those not yet engaging with this corridor risk being left behind.” The partnership will focus on increasing flight frequencies, opening new routes and building joint solutions for cross-border e-commerce, cold chain logistics and high-value manufacturing. The integration of Ezhou’s hub warehouse with Etihad Cargo’s global network will create a seamless two-way trade channel, strengthening market access for Chinese exports while enhancing inbound logistics flows. Etihad Cargo currently operates four Boeing 777 freighters per week to Ezhou Huahu Airport. The airport, which opened in 2022, is Asia’s first dedicated cargo airport and includes 135 aircraft stands, dual 3,600-metre runways and the capacity to handle 3.3 million tonnes of cargo annually. Located in Hubei Province, it offers unrivalled domestic reach and growing international connectivity. Mr Luo Guowei, Party Committee Member and Deputy General Manager of Hubei Airport Group Company and Chairman of the Board of Hubei International Logistics Airport Company, said: “This partnership is an important step in the airport’s global growth. Etihad Cargo’s strategic network and hub in Abu Dhabi offer new pathways for China’s exporters and we look forward to building stronger links across continents. We are also exploring opportunities to collaborate further with stakeholders in Abu Dhabi and identify areas for long-term, mutual benefit.” Etihad Airways and SF Airlines sign JV (PHOTO: Etihad Cargo) Etihad Airways and SF Airlines, China’s leading air cargo carrier, have signed a Joint Business Agreement (JBA) to enhance their cargo operations, expand network capacity and offer customers greater flexibility and service options. The agreement was signed today by Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways and Li Sheng, Vice President of SF Group and Chairman of SF Airlines. Through the agreement, Etihad Airways and SF Airlines will collaborate on a metal-neutral basis to jointly market and integrate their airfreight services. The partnership is designed to foster incremental growth and create a seamless, shared network that offers customers an expanded range of destinations, increased cargo capacity and enhanced service efficiency. As part of the JBA, Etihad Airways and SF Airlines will enhance customer choice by expanding network connectivity and capacity across key trade lanes. Both carriers will also invest in improving service quality and operational efficiency, ensuring a consistently elevated customer experience. The partnership enables coordinated pricing strategies and alignment of service standards, delivering a streamlined and competitive offering. Additionally, the collaboration will support the strategic allocation of routes, sales efforts and client portfolios, allowing for joint decision-making and driving operational synergies. With the growth of cross-border e-commerce, time-sensitive shipments and specialised logistics services, the partnership between Etihad Airways and SF Airlines will offer greater flexibility and tailored solutions to meet evolving customer needs. The joint business will focus on key cargo product verticals, including Etihad Cargo’s SecureTech and PharmaLife solutions, which support the movement of high-value electronics, sensitive equipment and temperature-controlled pharmaceutical goods. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “This business agreement marks an important step in Etihad’s strategy to strengthen global connectivity and deliver greater value to our customers. By working closely with SF Airlines, we are expanding our service offerings, optimising operational efficiency and enhancing our competitive position in the air cargo industry.” Li Sheng, Vice President of SF Group and Chairman of SF Airlines, added: “This agreement represents a significant milestone for SF Airlines as we continue to build our international network. Partnering with Etihad Airways enables us to increase capacity and gain greater market access, offering customers enhanced services. Together, we will drive innovation and efficiency to meet the growing demand for high-quality logistics solutions.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]