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ETIHAD CARGO, EZHOU HUAHU AIRPORT PARTNER TO EXPAND ASIA-PACIFIC CONNECTIVITY
June 6, 2025
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Ezhou Huahu Airport to strengthen its network in the Asia-Pacific region and enhance trade connectivity between China and global markets.
As part of the agreement, Etihad Cargo will strengthen its strategic presence at Ezhou Huahu Airport, which will serve as a key gateway within its broader China network.
This complements the carrier's ongoing operations in Shanghai (PVG) and Shenzhen (SZX), ensuring nationwide access and greater flexibility for customers.
"Ezhou Huahu Airport is already recognised across China for its outstanding capabilities and world-class logistics infrastructure," said Stanislas Brun, chief cargo officer at Etihad Airways.
"This partnership will amplify Ezhou Huahu Airport’s strengths across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It represents an exciting opportunity to accelerate the development of more connected, efficient logistics solutions and those not yet engaging with this corridor risk being left behind," he added.
The partnership will focus on increasing flight frequencies, opening new routes and building joint solutions for cross-border e-commerce, cold chain logistics and high-value manufacturing.
The integration of Ezhou's hub warehouse with Etihad Cargo's global network is also seen to create a "seamless two-way trade channel," strengthening market access for Chinese exports while enhancing inbound logistics flows, the announcement said.
Etihad Cargo currently operates four Boeing 777 freighters per week to Ezhou Huahu Airport.
The airport, which opened in 2022, is Asia's first dedicated cargo airport and includes 135 aircraft stands, dual 3,600-metre runways and the capacity to handle 3.3 million tonnes of cargo annually.
Located in Hubei Province, it provides extensive domestic access and expanding international connections.
Luo Guowei, party committee member and deputy general manager of Hubei Airport Group Company and chairman of the board of Hubei International Logistics Airport Company, said the partnership is an "important step" in the airport's global growth.
"Etihad Cargo's strategic network and hub in Abu Dhabi offer new pathways for China’s exporters, and we look forward to building stronger links across continents. We are also exploring opportunities to collaborate further with stakeholders in Abu Dhabi and identify areas for long-term, mutual benefit," he added.
This agreement aligns with Etihad Cargo's strategic focus on building integrated regional partnerships that create tangible value across the air cargo ecosystem and support China's growing leadership in global logistics innovation.
The agreement was signed during Air Cargo Europe 2025 by Brun of Etihad Airways, Guowei, and Li Wei, deputy general manager of Hubei International Logistics Airport Company.
