Etihad Cargo expands reach China through SF Airlines partnership 

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways, has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SF Airlines, the largest cargo airline in China, to expand its reach and connectivity in the Chinese market. The partnership will commence from 28 April 2023, with both carriers operating flights via their respective fleets to each other’s hub, enabling Etihad Cargo to extend its reach into China using SF Airlines’ extensive in-country network. 

This MoU will provide Etihad Cargo’s customers with access to a larger number of domestic destinations in China via SF Airlines’ road feeder service trucking network. The agreement will also enable Etihad Cargo to utilize SF Airlines’ mega hub in Hubei Province to transport cargo to other destinations in China, further enhancing its capabilities in the region. Etihad Cargo will operate flights to China using a Boeing 777 freighter. 

The agreement with SF Airlines is the latest step by Etihad Cargo in its strategic expansion plans in China. Etihad Cargo had recently launched an additional direct freighter service to Shanghai in February 2023, bringing the total number of weekly freighter flights to eight. Through the new partnership, Etihad Cargo will gain greater market access to key destinations in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. 

SF Airlines is the cargo arm of SF Holding, which operates the largest cargo air fleets in China, including Boeing 747, 757, and 767 aircraft. This agreement with SF Airlines is expected to enhance Etihad Cargo’s market presence in China. 

Etihad Aviation Group legal department is headed by general counsel Henning zur Hausen (pictured).