Etihad Explores Cargo Flights to Ezhou in Collaboration with SF Airlines Expansion

Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines are looking to expand their cargo partnership which saw them launch flights between the Middle East and China.

Senior leaders from SF Airlines recently flew into Abu Dhabi to discuss how the two airlines can expand their reciprocal blockspace agreement.

The two firms signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) that promises to explore additional opportunities to expand their respective networks via the Abu Dhabi and Wuhan hubs.

Future plans include expanding cooperated flights to Ezhou Huahu Airport, China’s first cargo-focused airport.

This move would make Etihad Airways the first international airline other than SF Airlines to operate flights to the airport.

The two partners will also review the schedule of services between Abu Dhabi and Wuhan with a view to increasing frequencies to meet cargo demand.

Etihad Airways chief executive Antonoaldo Neves said: “The agreement between Etihad Airways and SF Airlines will contribute to achieving the emirate’s ambitious strategic plans.

“Etihad Cargo looks forward to expanding the agreement between the two airlines to not only benefit the partners and customers of both airlines but also broaden the strong ties between the UAE and China.”

Li Sheng, vice president of SF Group, chairman of SF Airlines, said: “By expanding this cooperation between SF Airlines and Etihad Airways, we will continue strongly supporting and improving both parties’ service capabilities, and provide global consumers with more convenient and reliable services.”

In April, Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines signed a reciprocal capacity agreement to connect their respective networks.

The new partnership saw the launch of two weekly freighter services between Abu Dhabi Airport and Wuhan Tianhe International Airport in the Hubei Province of China.

SF Airlines expanded its Middle Eastern footprint and benefits from Etihad Cargo’s global network for its express product.