Etihad Cargo reports 8% revenue growth in 2025

Etihad Cargo, the logistics and freight division of Etihad Airways, delivered a strong financial and operational performance in 2025, reporting an 8% year-on-year increase in revenue while transporting 703,000 leg tonnes, representing a 9% rise in volumes.

The growth reflects sustained demand across major trade lanes and the continued expansion of the carrier’s specialised product portfolio, which has become a core pillar of its commercial strategy.

Significant gains were recorded across key verticals. FlyCulture expanded by 89%, driven by demand for the transportation of artwork, museum exhibitions and cultural heritage items. The LiveAnimals product grew 121% year-on-year, supported by dedicated expertise in specialist animal handling. PharmaLife increased by 22%, underpinned by strengthened team capabilities and enhanced temperature-controlled pharmaceutical logistics solutions. Meanwhile, FlightValet registered a 174% surge following refinements tailored to luxury and high-value vehicle customers.

A major strategic milestone in 2025 was the strengthening of the carrier’s partnership with SF Airlines. Through this collaboration, Etihad Cargo became the largest cargo operator between mainland China and the Middle East, reinforcing critical corridors supporting e-commerce, electronics and pharmaceutical flows. The Joint Business Agreement enhanced connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key Chinese hubs, integrating Shenzhen and Ezhou into a coordinated network and further positioning Abu Dhabi as a global logistics gateway.

Technology advancement also featured prominently during the year. The introduction of SmartTrack, an AI-powered shipment visibility solution, marked a step forward in digital innovation. Leveraging IoT integration and advanced data analytics, SmartTrack enables proactive, real-time end-to-end tracking, improving transparency and customer confidence across complex supply chains.

Operational reliability remained strong. Etihad Cargo achieved a Delivered As Promised (DAP) rate of 88% alongside an On-Time Performance (OTP) of 81%, reinforcing its focus on consistency and service excellence.

Network expansion supported the growth trajectory. The carrier increased freighter services across Shenzhen, Ezhou, Hong Kong, Riyadh, Paris and Frankfurt, alongside new deployments from Phnom Penh and East Midlands. Additional capacity was secured through dedicated Boeing 777 freighter aircraft operated by Atlas Air, enhancing connectivity between Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi and Madrid and bringing the total freighter fleet to six aircraft.

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “2025 was a milestone year for Etihad Cargo, driven by the trust of our customers and the dedication of our global team. We achieved strong growth across every major product line, expanded our network to meet rising demand, and delivered one of our most reliable operational performances to date. Becoming the largest cargo operator between the Middle East and mainland China underscores our strategic focus on building future-ready trade corridors. As we look ahead, we remain committed to elevating service quality, investing in our people and partnerships, and ensuring Abu Dhabi continues to grow as a leading global logistics hub.’

Looking ahead, Etihad Cargo plans to continue scaling its network responsibly while enhancing service standards across priority trade lanes. The carrier will focus on strengthening partnerships, expanding freighter capacity and advancing customer-centric innovations to meet rising global demand and reinforce supply chain resilience.