A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Etihad Cargo and China’s SF Airlines by the cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways. Following the signing of the MoU, both airlines will begin flying to the other’s hub using their respective fleets in April, allowing the national airline of the UAE to extend its reach into China via SF Airline’s domestic network.
Through SF Airlines’ road feeder service trucking network, the cooperation will increase connectivity for Etihad Cargo’s clients to 25 domestic Chinese locations. The carrier increased the total number of freighter flights per week to eight in February 2023 by introducing a second direct freighter service to Shanghai.
This MoU is the most recent move taken by Etihad Cargo to expand its operations to include cargo transportation to additional locations in China using the Chinese carrier’s massive hub in Hubei Province. According to this collaboration, Etihad Cargo will operate the flights on a Boeing 777 freighter, with services beginning on April 28, 2023.
Martin Drew, senior vice president – Global Sales and Cargo at Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Cargo is committed to establishing partnerships that add value to customers across the supply chain. Strengthening the connection between Abu Dhabi and one of SF Airlines’ major Chinese hubs will enable Etihad Cargo’s customers to benefit from SF Airlines’ exhaustive distribution capabilities in China, and SF Airlines will reap the benefits of Etihad Cargo’s global network for its express product. Etihad Cargo is committed to the country’s ambitious growth vision, and this partnership supports the further development of Abu Dhabi as a major logistics and express hub for the region.”
Li Sheng, chairman of SF Airlines, added: “SF Airlines is looking forward to this cooperation, which will offer good value to customers and enable them to develop their international business with more convenient and diversified global transportation options.”
