Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways, is commemorating two years of successful operations at Ezhou Huahu Airport, highlighting a pivotal partnership with SF Airlines.
After transitioning from Wuhan to Ezhou in August 2023, Etihad became the first international airline to operate scheduled commercial freighter services from the region. The airline expanded its presence with a second weekly frequency by November 2023 and a third in July 2024, aligning with increased demand.
Since the move, Etihad Cargo has operated a regular schedule of two freighters per week—one each from Etihad Airways and SF Airlines. In October 2023, this increased to four weekly flights, equally shared between both carriers. By July 2024, weekly operations rose to five, with Etihad flying two and SF Airlines managing three.
Over the past two years, Etihad Cargo has flown 184 Boeing 777 freighters via Ezhou, complemented by over 200 Boeing 747 freighter flights from SF Airlines. With the addition of a sixth weekly flight in July 2024 and a seventh in 2025, Etihad has continued to enhance network coverage and streamline access to global trade routes.
Charter services have also expanded steadily. Throughout 2024, Etihad Cargo operated one charter flight per week, increasing to three per week between January and June 2025—addressing demand for flexible, on-demand logistics.
Asia’s first dedicated cargo airport, Ezhou Huahu, began operations in 2022. It has played a crucial role in supporting Etihad Cargo’s consistent service delivery. Since 2023, over 43,000 tonnes of exports and 690 tonnes of imports have passed through Abu Dhabi via Ezhou, confirming the hub’s significance in global freight movement.
Situated in Hubei Province, the airport boasts 135 aircraft stands and dual 3,600-metre runways, offering superior domestic coverage and expanding international access.
“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. “Ezhou’s role as Asia’s first dedicated freighter hub has allowed us to unlock new levels of efficiency and reach, particularly for time-sensitive e-commerce and high-tech shipments, supporting growing demand for cross-border e-commerce and high-tech shipments between China and the Middle East. The expansion to seven weekly freighter services strengthens our ability to offer reliable, time-sensitive logistics solutions across key global trade lanes.”
“As the first international airlines to operate at Ezhou Airport, Etihad Airways has transported over 28,000 tons of cargo since launching the Abu Dhabi – Ezhou route,” added Luo Guowei, Chairman of Hubei International Logistics Airport Co., Ltd. “This has established an efficient two-way trade corridor spanning Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, injecting strong momentum into regional economic and trade exchanges.
At this new starting point, Ezhou Airport will deepen strategic collaboration with Etihad Airways and SF Airlines. We will further increase route frequency, enhance cooperation on overseas warehouses, and jointly build efficient logistics channels connecting the world to China. This will forge new milestones in establishing an aviation trade hub for the Belt and Road Initiative.”
Etihad Cargo’s operations at Ezhou remain integral to its Asia-focused growth plans. The airport’s modern infrastructure, efficient customs clearance and proximity to manufacturing hubs support rising demand for sectors such as e-commerce, automotive, and high-tech shipments.
Looking ahead, Etihad Cargo plans to maintain and expand its services at EHU, aiming to integrate digital enhancements to boost supply chain performance further.
