Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, operated 329 scheduled flights and charter flights from Ezhou Huahu Airport to Zayed International Airport, cementing its position as a trusted partner to customers across diverse industries including pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and perishables. Since the airline’s maiden flight to Ezhou Huahu Airport on 18 August 2023, making it the first international airline to operate flights to Ezhou, Etihad Cargo has demonstrated its commitment to connecting Abu Dhabi with key markets in Asia, Europe and beyond strengthen.
Ezhou Huahu Airport, Asia’s first dedicated cargo hub, has provided a strategic base for Etihad Cargo’s operations, facilitating the movement of over 18,700 tonnes of export cargo and over 400 tonnes of import through Abu Dhabi since 2023. The launch of A sixth weekly scheduled flight in July 2024 and a seventh flight in 2025 have given the carrier’s network a boosted, ensuring seamless and efficient connections to key global markets. The recently achieved IATA CEIV Pharma certification by Ezhou Huahu Airport’s ground handling services has further enhanced its capabilities to support specialized cargo requirements, especially for the pharmaceutical sector.
Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo at Etihad Cargo, said: “As the first international carrier to operate from Ezhou, Etihad Cargo is proud to play a pivotal role in the airport’s superior capabilities and strategic importance in just one year after demonstrate operations. Etihad Cargo’s customers have expressed great satisfaction with the reliability and efficiency of the service, confirming the carrier’s decision to partner with Ezhou and recognizing its potential as a global cargo hub. Ezhou Huahu Airport’s advanced infrastructure has impressed exporters and local customers alike, particularly in facilitating seamless imports, while Etihad Cargo’s efforts to showcase Ezhou’s connectivity and capabilities to exporters in Europe and beyond are paving the way for even greater opportunities.”
Ezhou Huahu Airport, with its advanced facilities and strategic location, has emerged as an important logistics hub, enabling the seamless movement of goods across Asia and beyond. Its extensive network of 36 international cargo routes, combined with Etihad Cargo’s global connectivity through Abu Dhabi, has created significant value for customers seeking efficient and reliable cargo solutions. The collaborative efforts of partners, stakeholders and local authorities have been essential in driving the success of Etihad Cargo’s operations in the region.
Li Wei, deputy general manager of Ezhou Huahu International Airport, said: “Ezhou Huahu International Airport is located in central China and boasts a strategic geographical advantage and solid foundation conditions. A domestic hub-and-spoke route network is already established, while international logistics channels are rapidly taking shape. Port functionalities are constantly improving, and operational capabilities are steadily advancing. In 2024, the airport’s cargo and mail throughput is expected to be fifth nationwide, with 36 international cargo routes already in operation. Ezhou Huahu International Airport regards Etihad Cargo as an important strategic partner and supports the launch of more cargo routes at the airport, reaching even greater milestones in the future.”
Etihad Cargo’s Ezhou operations are a key component of the carrier’s expanded network in Greater China, which will grow to 23 weekly freighters and 25 weekly passenger flights by 2025.
