Etihad Cargo is celebrating two years of operations at Ezhou Huahu Airport, strengthening its strategic partnership with SF Airlines and expanding its role in Asia’s first dedicated freighter hub.

Since moving joint operations from Wuhan to Ezhou in August 2023, Etihad Airways became the first international airline to launch scheduled commercial freighter services in the region. Flight frequencies have steadily increased, from two per week at launch to seven by 2025, reflecting growing demand for cross-border e-commerce and high-tech shipments between China and the Middle East.

In the past two years, Etihad Cargo has operated 184 Boeing 777 freighter flights through Ezhou Huahu Airport, alongside over 200 SF Airlines Boeing 747 services. The carrier has also ramped up charter operations, rising from one per week in 2024 to three per week in the first half of 2025.

Since 2023, more than 43,000 tonnes of exports and 690 tonnes of imports have moved through Abu Dhabi via Ezhou Huahu Airport, bolstering the airport’s role as a key link in global logistics.

“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. “The expansion to seven weekly freighter services strengthens our ability to offer reliable, time-sensitive logistics solutions across key global trade lanes.”

Luo Guowei, chairman of Hubei International Logistics Airport Co., Ltd., added: “Etihad Airways has transported over 28,000 tonnes of cargo since launching the Abu Dhabi–Ezhou Huahu Airport route, establishing an efficient two-way trade corridor spanning Asia, the Middle East and Europe.”

Etihad Cargo plans to further develop services at Ezhou Huahu Airport, exploring enhanced digital integration and expanded global connectivity.

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