Etihad Cargo, the logistics wing of Etihad Airways, is celebrating its two-year partnership with Ezhou Huahu Airport—a landmark collaboration with SF Airlines that has enabled extensive growth in trade between China and the Middle East.
Following the relocation of services from Wuhan in August 2023, Etihad became the first international carrier to offer regular scheduled freighter operations at Ezhou. The addition of second and third weekly flights in late 2023 and mid-2024 reflected rising demand and reinforced operational stability.
Initially running two weekly freighters—one per airline—Etihad and SF Airlines increased the service to four flights per week in October 2023 and five by July 2024, split between their respective fleets.
To date, Etihad has executed 184 Boeing 777 freighter flights via Ezhou, while SF Airlines has surpassed 200 operations using Boeing 747s. The recent introduction of sixth and seventh weekly flights has significantly increased cargo throughput and global connectivity.
Chartered freight services have seen a parallel rise. In 2024, Etihad operated one charter freighter weekly, increasing to three per week by mid-2025, enabling agile responses to dynamic logistics needs.
Opened in 2022, Ezhou Huahu Airport has become a cornerstone of Asia’s cargo infrastructure. Over the past two years, more than 43,000 tonnes of exports and nearly 700 tonnes of imports have been processed through Abu Dhabi via this hub—affirming its central role in international trade.
Located in Hubei, the facility features 135 aircraft parking bays and twin 3,600-metre runways—granting it comprehensive domestic reach and ever-expanding global access.
“This milestone reflects the operational success and strategic value of our collaboration with Ezhou Huahu Airport and SF Airlines,” said Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways. “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,” stated 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.”
As Etihad Cargo continues to scale its global reach, the Ezhou hub remains critical to its Asian logistics strategy. With enhanced facilities, smoother customs, and closeness to key production zones, Etihad is poised to cater to surging demand from advanced manufacturing, e-commerce, and tech industries.
The airline will maintain its strategic foothold at EHU, leveraging digital innovation to optimise its integrated global supply chain.
