Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines boost Abu Dhabi–China connectivity

Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines have expanded their joint network by increasing flight frequencies between Abu Dhabi and the key Chinese logistics hubs of Shenzhen and Ezhou. The move, announced under their Joint Business Agreement (JBA) signed in June 2025, strengthens air trade and logistics connectivity between the UAE and China.

The collaboration brings the total number of weekly freighter flights to Shenzhen to nine and to Ezhou to seven. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, China’s first 24-hour international cargo station, supports rapid turnaround and enhances customer experience. Meanwhile, Ezhou Huahu Airport in Hubei Province, Asia’s first dedicated cargo airport, offers wide domestic access and growing global reach.

Under the metal-neutral JBA, both airlines will jointly market and integrate their cargo services, align standards, and introduce coordinated pricing. The partnership builds on Etihad Cargo’s expanded winter 2025 schedule, adding capacity and flexibility for customers across Asia and the Middle East.

The agreement aims to support fast-growing sectors such as cross-border e-commerce and pharmaceuticals. By combining Etihad Cargo’s SecureTech and PharmaLife solutions with SF Airlines’ domestic distribution network, the airlines will facilitate seamless movement of electronics, time-sensitive goods, and precision equipment across key trade corridors.

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer of Etihad Airways, said the collaboration links customers to China’s main logistics hubs and a wider global network, enabling new trade opportunities and connecting businesses beyond borders.

Li Sheng, Chairman of SF Airlines, added that the partnership will drive business efficiencies, boost revenue, and enhance customer satisfaction by combining both airlines’ strengths to deliver world-class air cargo services.

Together, Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines are redefining international logistics standards, promoting global connectivity, and supporting trade growth through smarter, collaborative cargo solutions.