Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines increase flights between Abu Dhabi, Ezhou, and Shenzhen.
Etihad Cargo, the logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has expanded its partnership with China’s SF Airlines, enhancing the frequency of flights between Abu Dhabi and Ezhou and introducing a new freighter service between Shenzhen and Abu Dhabi. This expansion aims to boost connectivity and capacity between China, the UAE, and other global destinations.
Starting July 15, 2024, Etihad Cargo will operate two freighters weekly between Abu Dhabi and Ezhou, connecting China to its global network. Additionally, SF Airlines will operate an extra freighter from Ezhou, increasing the total flights between Abu Dhabi and Ezhou to five per week. The partnership will also launch a new freighter service between Shenzhen and Abu Dhabi, providing an incremental capacity of over 200 tonnes, bringing the total weekly available capacity to 630 tonnes.
Stanislas Brun, Vice President of Cargo at Etihad Cargo, highlighted the significance of this expansion, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE. “By expanding this strategic partnership with SF Airlines, Etihad Cargo’s partners and customers will have greater access to strategic markets in China, the UAE, and destinations across Etihad’s global network,” Brun said. He emphasised that this collaboration, supported by the Belt and Road Initiative, will enhance economic and strategic ties between the UAE and China.
Robert Zhang, Commercial Director at SF Airlines, expressed excitement about the expanded routes. “Working together with Etihad Cargo, the industry-leading company with a competitive cargo network from Abu Dhabi to the world, brings competitive value to customers and enables them to develop their international business with more convenient and diversified global transportation options,” Zhang stated.
In addition to the new freighter services, Etihad Cargo provides belly hold capacity through five weekly flights each to Beijing and Shanghai. It also operates seven freighter flights to Shanghai, two to Guangzhou, and seven to Hong Kong per week, further strengthening its network and capacity.
