Etihad is going big on China.
Within weeks of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Southern Airlines, Etihad Cargo, the logistics arm of Etihad Airways, reinforced its commitment to the Chinese market with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SF Airlines.
As per the agreement, both carriers will start operating flights via their respective fleets to the other carrier’s hub this month itself, which will enable the UAE’s national carrier to expand its reach into the Red Dragon via SF Airline’s extensive in-country network.
It is the latest step by Etihad Cargo in expanding its operations in China and will see the carrier transporting cargo to other destinations in China utilising SF Airlines mega hub Hubei Province. Etihad Cargo will operate the flights on a Boeing 777 freighter, with services commencing on 28 April.
The new partnership will provide Etihad Cargo’s customers with greater connectivity to 25 domestic destinations in China via SF Airlines’ road-feeder service trucking network.
Etihad Cargo ‘committed to establishing partnerships’
Martin Drew, Senior Vice President – Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Cargo is committed to establishing partnerships that add value to customers across the supply chain. Strengthening the connection between Abu Dhabi and one of SF Airlines’ major Chinese hubs will enable our customers to benefit from SF Airlines’ exhaustive distribution capabilities in China, and SF Airlines will reap the benefits of Etihad Cargo’s global network for its express product.”
Li Sheng, Chairman of SF Airlines, added: “Etihad Cargo is an industry-leading company and SF Airlines is excited the two companies can work together to connect hubs and strength the network of both airlines. SF Airlines is looking forward to this cooperation, which will offer good value to customers and enable them to develop their international business with more convenient and diversified global transportation options.”
SF Airlines, the cargo arm of SF Holding, operates the largest cargo air fleets in China. Via the capacity-sharing agreement with SF Airlines, Etihad Cargo will provide greater market access to key destinations in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
On March 30, Etihad Airways and China Southern Airlines had announced an MoU to provide passengers with an enhanced travel experience, expanding the current codeshare co-operation and allows the partners to explore extending global flight networks beyond the two carriers’ hubs.
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