Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has expanded its main deck cargo capacity by 18 percent to meet increasing customer demand in Greater China. The carrier announced today that it has increased its total flights to and from China from 11 in 2024 to a planned total of 18 in 2025, strengthening trade links between key global markets.
“Etihad Cargo continues to invest in expanding its network and capacity to support the evolving needs of global trade. The introduction of the additional capacity and flights to Shenzhen and London Stansted demonstrate our commitment to meeting customer demand with increased availability and connectivity across key trade routes,” stated Stanislas Brun, chief cargo officer at Etihad Cargo.
Etihad adds three weekly freighter flights to Shenzhen
Etihad Cargo’s capacity will be supplemented by a wet-lease 747-F and will support increased freight movements on high-demand routes. Moreover, it will provide customers with greater flexibility in shipping cargo to and from key markets.
To accommodate growing market demand, Etihad Cargo has added three additional weekly freighter flights to Shenzhen, China, and two additional weekly flights to London. The expanded operations will improve and strengthen connectivity between China, Europe and the Middle East, offering increased capacity for the transportation of e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables and other critical shipments.
The increase in capacity aligns with Etihad Cargo’s strategy of expanding its global network to provide reliable, customer-centric solutions. The carrier reiterated its commitment to delivering efficient and flexible freight services while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global logistics hub.
By strengthening its presence in China and increasing links to Europe, Etihad Cargo is providing additional capacity to facilitate the movement of goods across international markets.
Read: Etihad Airways carries 5 million passengers in Q1 2025 as global network continues expansion
Etihad Cargo operates 329 flights from China’s Ezhou Huahu Airport
Earlier this year, Etihad Cargo revealed that it has operated 329 scheduled flights and charters from China’s Ezhou Huahu Airport to Zayed International Airport, further reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for customers across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and perishables.
Ezhou Huahu Airport, Asia’s first dedicated freighter hub, has provided a strategic base for Etihad Cargo’s operations, facilitating the movement of over 18,700 tons of export cargo and more than 400 tons of imports through Abu Dhabi since 2023.
The introduction of a sixth weekly scheduled flight in July 2024 and a seventh flight in 2025 have boosted the carrier’s network, 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 improved its capabilities to support specialised cargo requirements, particularly for the pharmaceutical sector.
Etihad Cargo’s operations in Ezhou are a key component of the carrier’s extensive network in Greater China, which will grow to 23 weekly freighters and 25 weekly passenger flights in 2025.
