As part of its commitment to expand access across Asia-Pacific and unlock greater trade potential between China and global markets, Etihad Cargo has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Ezhou Huahu Airport.

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.

Etihad Cargo says this complements the carrier’s ongoing operations in Shanghai (PVG) and Shenzhen (SZX), ensuring nationwide access and greater flexibility for customers.

The agreement was signed during the recent air cargo Europe 2025 event by Stanislas Brun, chief cargo officer at Etihad Airways, Luo Guowei, party committee member and deputy general manager of Hubei Airport Group Company and chairman of Hubei International Logistics Airport Company, and Li Wei, deputy general manager of Hubei International Logistics Airport Company.

Brun said: “Ezhou Huahu Airport is already recognised across China for its outstanding capabilities and world-class logistics infrastructure. 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.”

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 will create a seamless two-way trade channel, strengthening market access for Chinese exports while enhancing inbound logistics flows.

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 3,600m runways and the capacity to handle 3.3 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Located in Hubei Province, the airport offers unrivalled domestic reach and growing international connectivity.

Guowei said: “This 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.”

READ MORE NEWS: Etihad Cargo to introduce ‘SmartTrack’ tracking labels