Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, and SF Airlines, China’s leading air cargo carrier, have announced an expansion of their partnership under a Joint Business Agreement (JBA), aimed at enhancing cross-border e-commerce and pharmaceutical logistics.

The deepened collaboration will see both carriers operate a shared network connecting Abu Dhabi with two of China’s major logistics hubs, Shenzhen and Ezhou. By integrating Etihad Cargo’s and SF Airlines’ freighter services, the JBA brings the combined total of weekly flights to Shenzhen to nine, while flights to Ezhou will increase to seven per week.

Signed in June 2025 by Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, and Li Sheng, Chairman of SF Airlines, the agreement adopts a metal-neutral framework, allowing the airlines to jointly market and integrate their airfreight services, align service standards, and introduce coordinated pricing.

The partnership aims to support fast-growing markets such as cross-border e-commerce and the pharmaceutical sectors. By aligning Etihad Cargo’s SecureTech and PharmaLife solutions with SF Airlines’ strong domestic distribution network, the agreement will enable seamless movement of electronics, time-sensitive goods and precision equipment across Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer of Etihad Airways, shared, “Shenzhen and Ezhou represent two of China’s most active and efficient logistics hubs. Through our JBA, we are linking our customers to both China’s main distribution hub and an expanded global network. By strengthening our partnership with SF Airlines, we look forward to enabling new trade opportunities and connecting more businesses and communities beyond borders.”

SF Airlines Chairman Li Sheng said that the strategic collaboration is expected to generate significant business efficiencies, support revenue growth, and enhance customer satisfaction.

“By combining their strengths, Etihad Airways and SF Airlines are better positioned to offer world-class air cargo solutions that respond to the evolving demands of the global logistics industry,” he said.

Through this collaboration, Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines are setting a new standard for international trade by introducing smarter ways to move cargo across the globe.