Etihad Cargo, SF Airlines plan JV to strengthen UAE-China trade
Collaboration supports Abu Dhabi's ambition of becoming a global logistics hub.
From Left: Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Airways, Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, Etihad Airways, Wang Wei, Chairman, SF Holding and Li Sheng, Vice President, SF Group and Chairman, SF Airlines.
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, and SF Airlines, a subsidiary of SF Holding, will establish a joint venture, marking a milestone in the 40-year history of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China.
In a meeting at SF Airlines's headquarters in Shenzhen on September 18, key representatives from both airlines convened to formalise their intention to establish a joint venture, says an official release from Etihad Cargo. "Present at the meeting were Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, Etihad Airways, Mansour Al Mulla, Vice Chairman, Etihad Airways, Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Airways, Stanislas Brun, Vice President, Cargo, Etihad Cargo, Leonard Rodrigues, Director, Revenue Management & Network Planning, Etihad Cargo, Wang Wei, Chairman, SF Holding, Li Sheng, Vice President, SF Group and Chairman, SF Airlines and Alex Ho, CFO, SF Group."
The joint venture project builds on the already successful partnership between Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines, which has enhanced connectivity and capacity between China, the UAE and global markets, the release added. "The current collaboration has seen both airlines sharing capacity to improve global trade routes, a relationship that has been mutually beneficial for both airlines and their customers."
Beyond capacity sharing, the new partnership represents a full strategic alignment between Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines, combining their strengths to offer a unified, comprehensive logistics solution to customers worldwide, the release added.
"This historic joint venture is a true testament to the robust and growing relationship between the UAE and China," says Al Shorafa. "Etihad is excited to embark on this new journey with SF Airlines, which will enable both airlines to provide even more connectivity, flexibility, and speed to customers for e-commerce and traditional air cargo verticals."
Neves adds: "As the national carrier of the UAE, Etihad Airways is deeply committed to supporting Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a global logistics and express hub. This joint venture with SF Airlines is a critical step in realising that vision. By aligning our strengths, Etihad Airways and SF Airlines are enhancing operations and contributing to the economic growth and diversification of Abu Dhabi, Ezhou and Shenzhen. This partnership will be pivotal in positioning the UAE as a key player in global logistics, benefiting both our nations and the broader market."
Key aspects of the joint venture include increased aircraft capacity, improved transit times, interconnected networks and the expanded distribution of SF Express’s international express services, the release added. "These enhancements will offer SF Airlines and its customers greater flexibility and faster European connections. Additionally, the partnership will expand the number of frequencies, hubs and destinations served, leading to smoother transitions and more efficient operations."
Wei says: "This joint venture is a pioneering development in air cargo logistics between China and the UAE. By joining forces with Etihad Cargo, we are setting new standards for the industry, particularly in response to the rising demand for e-commerce, airmail and parcel delivery. This is a long-term commitment to enhancing the quality and reliability of our operations."
The collaboration will focus on integrating the customer service of Etihad Cargo with the capacity and reach of SF Airlines, creating a synergy that is expected to significantly boost the potential of UAE-China trade routes, the release added.
