Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines announce joint venture
Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines have announced a joint venture that the will offer a unified, comprehensive logistics solution to customers in their home markets of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China.
“This historic joint venture is a true testament to the robust and growing relationship between the UAE and China,” said Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of Etihad Airways.
“Etihad is excited to embark on this new journey with SF Airlines, which will enable both airlines to provide even more connectivity, flexibility, and speed to customers for e-commerce and traditional air cargo verticals.”
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, highlighted the importance of this joint venture in supporting Abu Dhabi’s strategic ambitions: “As the national carrier of the UAE, Etihad Airways is deeply committed to supporting Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global logistics and express hub.
“This joint venture with SF Airlines is a critical step in realising that vision. By aligning our strengths, Etihad Airways and SF Airlines are enhancing operations and contributing to the economic growth and diversification of Abu Dhabi, Ezhou and Shenzhen. This partnership will be pivotal in positioning the UAE as a key player in global logistics, benefiting both our nations and the broader market.”
Aspects of the joint venture include increased aircraft capacity, improved transit times, interconnected networks and the expanded distribution of SF Express’s international express services.
Additionally, the partnership will expand the number of frequencies, hubs, and destinations served, leading to “smoother transitions and more efficient operations”, the companies said.
Wang Wei, chairman of SF Holding, said: “This joint venture is a pioneering development in air cargo logistics between China and the UAE.
“By joining forces with Etihad Cargo, we are setting new standards for the industry, particularly in response to the rising demand for e-commerce, airmail, and parcel delivery. This is a long-term commitment to enhancing the quality and reliability of our operations.”
