Etihad Cargo is celebrating two years of successful operations at Ezhou Huahu International Airport, highlighting the success of its strategic collaboration with SF Airlines and the region’s growing significance in global air cargo logistics.
Etihad Airways became the first international airline to launch scheduled commercial freighter services at Ezhou in August 2023, transitioning operations from Wuhan. Since then, the carrier has significantly expanded its footprint in China’s Hubei Province, solidifying Ezhou’s role as a central hub in its Asia strategy.
Rapid Network Expansion Reflects Strong Market Demand
Following a steady increase in market demand, Etihad Cargo has grown its freighter services from two weekly flights in 2023 to seven scheduled flights per week in 2025. As of July 2024, the weekly schedule includes:
- 2 flights operated by Etihad Airways
- 3 flights by SF Airlines
- 1 additional frequency added in July 2024
- 7th frequency confirmed for 2025
In addition to scheduled operations, charter freighter flights have increased in parallel:
- 1 weekly charter flight throughout 2024
- 3 charter flights per week from January to June 2025
These services cater to time-sensitive, high-tech, and e-commerce cargo, further enhancing global connectivity between China, the Middle East, and Europe.
Operational Milestones at Asia’s First Dedicated Freighter Airport
Since August 2023:
- Etihad Cargo has operated 184 Boeing 777F flights through Ezhou
- SF Airlines has flown over 200 Boeing 747F operations
- Over 43,000 tonnes of export and 690 tonnes of import cargo have moved between Ezhou and Abu Dhabi
Located in Hubei Province, Ezhou Huahu is Asia’s first dedicated air cargo airport, offering:
- 135 aircraft stands
- Two 3,600-metre runways
- Advanced infrastructure and streamlined customs processes
Strategic Comments from Leadership
Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Airways:
“Our collaboration with SF Airlines and Ezhou Huahu International Airport has unlocked new levels of operational efficiency and international reach. As cross-border e-commerce and high-tech shipments grow, the expansion to seven weekly freighter flights reflects our continued commitment to this strategic hub.”
Luo Guowei, Chairman, Hubei International Logistics Airport Co., Ltd.:
“Etihad’s operations have transported over 28,000 tonnes of cargo via the Abu Dhabi-Ezhou route. This has created a powerful trade corridor linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Our collaboration will now focus on increasing flight frequencies, enhancing overseas warehousing, and building global logistics channels as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.”
Future Outlook: Strengthening the Belt and Road Trade Network
Ezhou will remain a key enabler of Etihad Cargo’s strategic growth in Asia, driven by:
- Enhanced infrastructure
- Proximity to key manufacturing hubs
- Focus on digital innovation and supply chain optimization
As Etihad Cargo continues to scale its global logistics network, Ezhou’s dedicated cargo ecosystem will play an integral role in supporting future service enhancements and boosting bilateral trade through smart, sustainable logistics solutions.