Etihad Airways, SF Airlines sign cargo joint business agreement

Etihad Airways and SF Airlines, China’s leading air cargo carrier, have signed a joint business agreement to enhance their cargo operations, expand network capacity and offer customers greater flexibility and service options.

The agreement was signed by Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways and Li Sheng, Vice President, SF Group and Chairman, SF Airlines, says an official release from Etihad.

"Etihad Airways and SF Airlines will collaborate on a metal-neutral basis to jointly market and integrate their airfreight services. The partnership is designed to foster incremental growth and create a seamless, shared network that offers customers an expanded range of destinations, increased cargo capacity and enhanced service efficiency."

Both carriers will also invest in improving service quality and operational efficiency, ensuring a consistently elevated customer experience, the release added. "Additionally, the collaboration will support the strategic allocation of routes, sales efforts and client portfolios, allowing for joint decision-making and driving operational synergies."

The joint business will focus on key cargo product verticals, including Etihad Cargo’s SecureTech and PharmaLife solutions, which support the movement of high-value electronics, sensitive equipment and temperature-controlled pharmaceutical goods, the release added.

"This business agreement marks an important step in Etihad’s strategy to strengthen global connectivity and deliver greater value to our customers," says Neves. "By working closely with SF Airlines, we are expanding our service offerings, optimising operational efficiency and enhancing our competitive position in the air cargo industry."

Sheng adds: "This agreement represents a significant milestone for SF Airlines as we continue to build our international network. Partnering with Etihad Airways enables us to increase capacity and gain greater market access, offering customers enhanced services. Together, we will drive innovation and efficiency to meet the growing demand for high-quality logistics solutions."

As of May 2025, SF Airlines' dedicated freighter fleet has grown to 90 aircraft with its network covering over 120 domestic and international destinations, the release added.