Etihad Cargo Expands Network Amid Growing Demand at East Midlands Airport

Etihad Cargo, the freight division of Etihad Airways, is enhancing its operations in response to increasing demand for air cargo services. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier is adding weekly flights to key Asian production centers and European distribution hubs, including a new twice-weekly service to East Midlands Airport (EMA) in the UK. This expansion includes one additional flight per week to Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Ezhou, as well as six extra flights to Shenzhen. The total weekly flights to Shanghai will now reach eight, while Hong Kong will see seven. In Europe, Frankfurt will receive four weekly flights, and Paris Charles de Gaulle will have two. Additionally, Etihad Cargo will increase its weekly flights to Riyadh to four.

Etihad Cargo expands freighter networkEast Midlands Airport on global radar as it welcomes sixth new cargo airline in six monthsEast Midlands Airport Welcomes Sixth New Cargo Carrier in Six MonthsEtihad Cargo deploys freighter to CambodiaEmirates SkyCargo adds Bangkok to network

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer of Etihad Airways, emphasized that this strategic expansion aims to provide customers with more reliable and efficient options for transporting goods, particularly during the busy winter season. The added capacity is made possible through a partnership with Atlas Air, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a logistics hub connecting East and West.

Etihad Cargo expands freighter network

East Midlands Airport has recently welcomed SF Express, a leading logistics provider from China, which launched its inaugural flight from Ezhou Huahu International Airport. This service will operate four times weekly, marking the sixth new cargo airline to establish operations at EMA in just six months. The airport is now recognized as the UK's premier express air cargo hub, dedicated exclusively to freighter aircraft.

East Midlands Airport on global radar as it welcomes sixth new cargo airline in six monthsEast Midlands Airport Welcomes Sixth New Cargo Carrier in Six MonthsEtihad Cargo expands freighter networkEtihad Cargo deploys freighter to CambodiaEmirates SkyCargo adds Bangkok to network

Adam Andrews, EMA’s Commercial Director, noted that the arrival of SF Express solidifies the airport's status in the global cargo community. The strategic location of EMA, equidistant from major UK cities, enhances its appeal for logistics firms. The recent influx of cargo carriers, including Central Airlines, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo, Saudia Cargo, and Etihad Cargo, underscores EMA's growing reputation as a vital transcontinental bridge.

East Midlands Airport Welcomes Sixth New Cargo Carrier in Six MonthsEast Midlands Airport on global radar as it welcomes sixth new cargo airline in six monthsEtihad Cargo deploys freighter to CambodiaEtihad Cargo expands freighter network

The expansion of Etihad Cargo and the arrival of SF Express are expected to significantly enhance trade connectivity between the UK and Asia. Fang Wenjian, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, stated that the new route will facilitate trade and bolster global supply chain resilience. This development aligns with the ongoing International Trade Week, which highlights the importance of British exports to the economy.

East Midlands Airport on global radar as it welcomes sixth new cargo airline in six monthsEast Midlands Airport Welcomes Sixth New Cargo Carrier in Six MonthsEtihad Cargo deploys freighter to CambodiaEtihad Cargo expands freighter network

The increased capacity at EMA not only supports the rapid movement of goods but also positions the airport as a key player in the evolving landscape of global logistics. As demand for air freight continues to rise, both Etihad Cargo and EMA are poised to play crucial roles in meeting the needs of businesses and consumers alike.

East Midlands Airport Welcomes Sixth New Cargo Carrier in Six Months

• “As we enter the busy winter period, increasing our network capacity and introducing new trade routes means giving our customers more ways to move their goods with reliability and care. Through this strategic expansion, we hope to continue empowering businesses and communities to thrive.” — Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Airways

Etihad Cargo expands freighter network

• “ “Welcoming SF Express—a titan in global logistics—proves we’re now firmly on the radar of the world’s top operators.” — Adam Andrews, Commercial Director, East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport Welcomes Sixth New Cargo Carrier in Six Months

• “ Fang Wenjian, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK (CCCUK), said, “The launch of SF Express flights between Ezhou and East Midlands will further facilitate trade, support businesses on both sides, and contribute to a more resilient global supply chain.” — Fang Wenjian, Chairman, China Chamber of Commerce in the UK

East Midlands Airport on global radar as it welcomes sixth new cargo airline in six months

While the expansion of Etihad Cargo and the addition of SF Express are well-documented, specific data regarding the anticipated volume of cargo or the exact economic impact of these developments remains unspecified in the current sources. Further details on the operational performance of these new routes may emerge as they become established.

East Midlands Airport Welcomes Sixth New Cargo Carrier in Six Months