Etihad Cargo, the freight division of Etihad Airways, is marking two years of continued growth and cooperation with Ezhou Huahu Airport, demonstrating the success of its alliance with SF Airlines.
Since launching operations in August 2023 after shifting from Wuhan, Etihad became the first global airline to establish regular commercial cargo services at Ezhou. In response to growing demand, a second weekly frequency was added in November 2023, and a third followed in July 2024.
Initially operating two weekly flights jointly with SF Airlines, the schedule grew to four flights per week from October 2023, with two flights by each partner. This expanded to five by July 2024, comprising two Etihad flights and three by SF Airlines.
In total, Etihad Cargo has completed 184 flights using its Boeing 777 fleet, while SF Airlines has operated more than 200 flights with Boeing 747s. A sixth weekly service commenced in July 2024, with a seventh added in 2025, strengthening global reach and frequency.
Etihad’s charter operations also gained momentum. Starting with one charter per week in 2024, the number rose to three per week in the first half of 2025, ensuring customised solutions for varying freight requirements.
Asia’s first purpose-built cargo airport, Ezhou Huahu, began operations in 2022. Since joining forces with the airport, Etihad Cargo has facilitated the movement of over 43,000 tonnes of export cargo and 690 tonnes of imports via Abu Dhabi, underlining the hub’s strategic importance.
Located in Hubei Province, the airport features two 3,600-metre runways and 135 aircraft stands, offering exceptional domestic access and growing international freight links.
“This milestone reflects the operational success and strategic value of our collaboration with Ezhou Huahu Airport and SF Airlines,” noted Stanislas Brun. “Ezhou’s role as Asia’s first dedicated freighter hub has allowed us to unlock new levels of efficiency and reach, particularly for time-sensitive e-commerce and high-tech shipments, supporting growing demand for cross-border e-commerce and high-tech shipments between China and the Middle East. The expansion to seven weekly freighter services strengthens our ability to offer reliable, time-sensitive logistics solutions across key global trade lanes.”
“As the first international airlines to operate at Ezhou Airport, Etihad Airways has transported over 28,000 tons of cargo since launching the Abu Dhabi – Ezhou route,” commented Luo Guowei. “This has established an efficient two-way trade corridor spanning Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, injecting strong momentum into regional economic and trade exchanges.
At this new starting point, Ezhou Airport will deepen strategic collaboration with Etihad Airways and SF Airlines. We will further increase route frequency, enhance cooperation on overseas warehouses, and jointly build efficient logistics channels connecting the world to China. This will forge new milestones in establishing an aviation trade hub for the Belt and Road Initiative.”
Looking forward, Etihad Cargo will continue to expand its footprint at Ezhou, leveraging the airport’s advanced logistics ecosystem and exploring digital tools to enhance supply chain performance across global markets.
