Etihad Cargo, the logistics division of Etihad Airways, has operated 329 scheduled and charter flights from Ezhou Huahu Airport to Zayed International Airport, further establishing its reputation as a trusted partner for industries such as pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and perishables
Since its inaugural flight to Ezhou Huahu Airport on August 18, 2023, making it the first international airline to do so, Etihad Cargo has reinforced its commitment to enhancing connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key markets across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Ezhou Huahu Airport, Asia’s first dedicated freighter hub, has served as a strategic base for Etihad Cargo, enabling the transport of over 18,700 tonnes of export cargo and more than 400 tonnes of imports through Abu Dhabi since 2023. The addition of a sixth weekly scheduled flight in July 2024, followed by a seventh in 2025, has enhanced the carrier’s network, ensuring efficient connections to key global markets. The recent IATA CEIV Pharma certification for the airport’s ground handling services further strengthens its ability to support specialized cargo, especially within 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 have played a pivotal role in demonstrating the airport’s superior capabilities and strategic importance within just one year of operations. Etihad Cargo’s customers have expressed high satisfaction with the reliability and efficiency of the service, validating 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, especially 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 a key 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.
Also Read: DB Schenker Launches Ezhou-Frankfurt Air Cargo Route.
Li Wei, Deputy General Manager of Ezhou Huahu International Airport, said: “Ezhou Huahu International Airport is located in central China, boasting a strategic geographical advantage and solid foundational conditions. A domestic hub-and-spoke route network is already established, while international logistics channels are rapidly taking shape. Port functionalities are continuously improving, and operational capabilities are steadily advancing. In 2024, the airport’s cargo and mail throughput are projected to rank fifth nationwide, with 36 international cargo routes already operational. Ezhou Huahu International Airport regards Etihad Cargo as a key strategic partner and supports the launch of more cargo routes at the airport, achieving even greater milestones in the future.”
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.
Etihad Airways took home a sweep of awards in the World Travel Awards Middle East which took place during a glamorous gala dinner at Atlantis the Royal in Dubai on Sunday night, and the Global Loyalty Awards which took place in Rio de Janeiro. The UAE’s national airline took home a total of six awards recognising its leading position in the travel and aviation industry.
“On behalf of the entire Etihad family, we’re truly proud to be recognised in the prestigious World Travel Awards. Our dedicated Cabin Crew are committed to giving our guests the world’s best inflight experience and winning the Middle East’s Best Cabin Crew for the fifth year in a row is proof that they’re delivering”, said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad.
Graham E. Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “Congratulations to Etihad Airways for winning ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Business Class’, ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Customer Experience’, ‘Middle East’s Leading Cabin Crew’, ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Lounge – First Class’. This is a remarkable achievement, reflecting how the brand is setting the benchmark in aviation. The commitment of the entire team at Etihad Airways serves as an inspiration to us all.”
Etihad’s Business class is recognised as the best in the Middle East, with its Business Studio taking the inflight experience to new heights. In partnership with Armani/Casa, the airline features a high-end restaurant style dining experience with Armani/Casa co-branded dining ware and textiles.
Earlier this year, Etihad launched complimentary ‘chat’ Wi-Fi connectivity for Etihad Guest members and enhanced surf packages giving unlimited data to guests for the duration of the flight. This enhancement to Etihad’s excellent E-Box inflight entertainment offering, helped seal the airline’s position as winner of Best Inflight Entertainment for the seventh year in a row.
Etihad’s Cabin Crew are renowned for their spirit of authentic, personal service drawing inspiration from the generous hospitality of the UAE. To support the airline’s current growth phase, Etihad has been increasing the strength of its Cabin Crew who all undergo extensive training in safety, service and hospitality to ensure Etihad maintains its leading reputation.
Golden Loyalty Awards
Adding to the awards tally, Etihad Airways was also winner of the “Best Use of Technology” in this year’s Golden Loyalty Awards, the largest gathering of the travel loyalty industry taking place in Rio de Janeiro.
The airline was recognised by judges as one of the early movers in the NFT space following its launch of its collection of 3D digital aircraft models, dubbed EY-ZERO1, where each NFT resulted in immediate Etihad Guest Silver status as well as other benefits.
Mr Neves continued, “This Global Loyalty award recognises Etihad’s innovative spirit. As an airline we’re constantly looking to push the boundaries of the industry, whether that’s through our contribution to improving aviation’s impact on the environment, exceeding the expectations of our guests through hospitality, or enabling new technology.”
Through an innovative approach to using technology, Etihad was able to allocate all proceeds from the sale of the EY-ZERO1 collection to purchase sustainable aviation fuel in 2022, supporting the airline’s commitment to decarbonisation.
This is the third year in a row that Etihad was recognised as a leader in global loyalty, having won the best use of marketing in 2022 for the Big Australia campaign, and the best use of technology in 2021 for the innovative Miles on the Go product.
Technology has made the world smaller and faster.Real time communication with people from all over the world at different time zones through phones and gadgets
