Etihad Airways has launched new freight services connecting China to Europe, expanding its cargo network. The airline is now operating Boeing 777 freighters on two major routes: one to Paris, France, and another to Frankfurt, Germany. These services are aimed at meeting the increasing need for fast and reliable air freight, especially for industries that need to move goods like electronics, car parts, and e-commerce packages quickly.
The first service connects Ezhou International Airport in China to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in France. The flights operate once a week, with a stopover in Abu Dhabi, which is Etihad’s main hub.Â
Etihad Cargo, which runs both freighters and manages cargo on passenger planes, is responsible for this service. The flight from Ezhou to Paris is made possible by Etihad’s trucking network, which links several Chinese cities to the airport. Cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong, and Hanoi are all connected to Paris through this network.
What’s interesting about this service is that it is a charter for an Asian logistics company, which means Etihad also offers space to other customers on the same flight. The return flight from Paris to Abu Dhabi is under Etihad’s control, so they can sell cargo space to other customers. This flexibility allows Etihad to provide regular services while also meeting the specific needs of its charter clients.
Etihad launched this new service in Paris to address the growing demand for various types of cargo like e-commerce packages, pharmaceuticals, car parts, perishables, and more. Abu Dhabi plays a crucial role in this network by acting as a central transfer point for goods traveling between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.Â
In addition to this, Etihad Cargo has also teamed up with SF Airlines, a Chinese express delivery company. This partnership lets both airlines share cargo space on each other’s flights. By working together, they can reach more places and improve their cargo services.Â
Ezhou International Airport, which is the starting point for many of these flights, is a dedicated cargo hub located in central China. Since opening in 2022, the airport has quickly grown, adding many international and domestic routes. Ezhou now handles over 1.3 million tons of cargo a year, making it one of the largest cargo airports in China. The airport is home to SF Airlines, which benefits from its location near major manufacturing areas and transport links like railways, highways, and ports.
On the same day that the Paris route was launched, Etihad also began a freight service to Frankfurt, Germany, for DB Schenker, a major logistics company. This route also connects Ezhou to Frankfurt, with a stop in Abu Dhabi. The flight runs once a week and carries a variety of goods, including e-commerce packages, electronics, industrial products, and car parts, all headed for Europe. This service is expected to carry more than 5,700 tons of cargo every year.
DB Schenker chose Ezhou as the starting point for this flight because of its strategic location. Ezhou is close to Wuhan, a key industrial city in China, and is easily accessible to manufacturing centers in southern China. The airport’s location near transport links like railways, highways, and ports makes it a valuable hub for freight transport. The airport is also home to industries like logistics, healthcare, and high-tech manufacturing, all of which need reliable air cargo services for their exports.
DB Schenker’s decision to set up operations in Ezhou is also influenced by the airport’s advanced infrastructure and efficient operations. Ramon He, DB Schenker’s senior vice president of airfreight for China and Hong Kong, highlighted the airport’s importance as a hub connecting international supply chains. DB Schenker plans to use Ezhou to expand its air cargo services and offer more reliable logistics solutions to customers in China and elsewhere.
DB Schenker currently operates several charter flights from China, including four weekly services to Europe and four to the United States. The new Ezhou-Abu Dhabi-Frankfurt flight is part of the company’s efforts to meet the growing demand for air cargo services from China. The service is expected to continue until the end of the year and will help DB Schenker strengthen its position in Europe.
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. All information is based on publicly available sources and industry insights. For official updates, please visit the respective company websites or contact them directly.
Sources for this article: Etihad News, Freight Waves.
