Etihad Cargo and China’s SF Airlines connect their mega hubs

Etihad Cargo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China’s SF Airlines, a leading cargo airline, in a move that reinforces Etihad Cargo’s commitment to the Chinese market. Starting from April, both airlines will operate flights via their respective fleets to the other carrier’s hub, enhancing Etihad Cargo’s capabilities in the region and enabling the UAE’s national carrier to expand its reach into China via SF Airlines’ extensive in-country network. This partnership will allow Etihad Cargo’s customers to gain greater connectivity to 25 domestic destinations in China via SF Airlines’ road feeder service trucking network.

The partnership with SF Airlines is the latest step by Etihad Cargo in expanding its operations in China. In February 2023, the carrier launched an additional direct freighter service to Shanghai, increasing the total number of freighter flights per week to eight. Etihad Cargo will operate the flights on a Boeing 777 freighter, with services commencing on April 28, 2023 in line with this partnership.

By utilising SF Airlines’ Chinese network, Etihad Cargo will transport cargo to other destinations in China via the Chinese carrier’s Hubei Province mega hub. In turn, SF Airlines will have access to Etihad Cargo’s global network for its express product. Through this capacity-sharing agreement, Etihad Cargo will provide greater market access to key destinations in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

The MoU was welcomed by both parties as a positive development for their respective businesses. Martin Drew, Senior Vice President – Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Airways, said that the partnership would enable Etihad Cargo’s customers to benefit from SF Airlines’ exhaustive distribution capabilities in China, while SF Airlines would reap the benefits of Etihad Cargo’s global network for its express product. Li Sheng, Chairman of SF Airlines, said that the cooperation would offer good value to customers and enable them to develop their international business with more convenient and diversified global transportation options.

Etihad Cargo’s commitment to establishing partnerships that add value to customers across the supply chain is further demonstrated through this new agreement with SF Airlines. The company is committed to the country’s ambitious growth vision, and this partnership supports the further development of Abu Dhabi as a major logistics and express hub for the region.