Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, operated 329 scheduled and charter flights from Echu Huahu Airport to Zayed International Airport, strengthening its position as a trusted partner for customers in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and logistics. Perishable items. Since the airline’s inaugural flight to Ezhou Huahu Airport on August 18, 2023, making it the first international airline to operate flights to Ezhou, Etihad Cargo has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key markets in Asia, Europe and beyond.
Echu Huahu Airport, the first dedicated cargo hub in Asia, has contributed to providing a strategic base for Etihad Cargo operations, facilitating the movement of more than 18,700 tons of export goods and more than 400 tons of imports through Abu Dhabi since 2023. The Emirates flight in July 2024 and the flight contributed Seventh in 2025 in strengthening the carrier’s network, ensuring smooth and efficient connections to key global markets. The recently achieved IATA CEIV Pharma certification by ground handling services at Ezhou Huahu Airport has improved its capabilities to support specialized freight requirements, especially for the pharmaceutical sector.
“As the first international airline to operate flights from Etcho, 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 commencing operations,” said Stanislas Brun, Vice President, Cargo, Etihad Cargo. Etihad Cargo customers expressed great satisfaction with the reliability and efficiency of the service, which validates the carrier’s decision to partner with Echo, and recognizes its potential as a global freight hub. Ezhou Huahu Airport’s advanced infrastructure has impressed exporters and local customers alike, particularly in terms of facilitating seamless import operations, while efforts by Etihad Cargo to showcase Ezhou Airport’s connectivity and capabilities to exporters in Europe and beyond pave the way for further opportunities.
With its advanced facilities and strategic location, Echu Huahu Airport has emerged as a major logistics hub, enabling seamless movement of goods across Asia and beyond. Its extensive network of 36 international shipping routes, along with Etihad Cargo’s global connectivity through Abu Dhabi, has created significant value for customers looking for efficient and reliable shipping solutions. The collaborative efforts of partners, stakeholders and local authorities have played an essential role in enhancing the success of Etihad Cargo’s operations in the region.
Li Wei, Deputy General Manager of Ezhou Huahu International Airport, said: “Located in central China, Ezhou Huahu International Airport has a strategic geographical advantage and solid foundational conditions. A pivotal domestic road network has already been established, while international logistics channels are rapidly taking shape. The port’s functionality is constantly improving, and operational capabilities are steadily advancing. In 2024, the airport’s freight and mail traffic is expected to rank fifth nationwide, with 36 international freight routes already in operation. Echua Huahu International Airport considers Etihad Cargo a major strategic partner and supports the launch of more cargo lines at the airport and achieving greater achievements in the future.
Etihad Cargo’s operations in Zhou are a key component of the carrier’s extensive network in Greater China, which will grow to 23 weekly freighter flights and 25 weekly passenger flights in 2025.
