Etihad reports record cargo revenues, strong China-Middle East airfreight operations in 2025

Dhaka: Etihad Airways has reported its freighter business saw a significant rise in 2025. The revenues reached USD 1.2 billion, an 8% increase year-on-year, while cargo volumes grew by 9%, totaling 703,000 tonnes.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier noted its growing passenger fleet bolstered its cargo performance by increasing belly-hold capacity. The extended capacity enabled Etihad to enhance its integrated operating model, which includes both passenger and cargo services.

In November 2025, Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines signed a Joint Business Agreement (JBA), aimed at increasing air cargo capacity and integrating airfreight services. The deal focuses on fast-growing markets, such as cross-border e-commerce and pharmaceuticals, and aligns the service standards and pricing for both carriers.

As a result of the expanded capacity and the joint venture with SF Express, Etihad Cargo became the largest cargo operator between mainland China and the Middle East. The partnership operates more than 100 monthly cargo services, primarily between Abu Dhabi and major logistics hubs like Shenzhen and Ezhou.

Notable growth was recorded across several key verticals. "FlyCulture," a service transporting artwork and cultural heritage, grew by 89%, while "LiveAnimals" surged by 121%. The "PharmaLife" segment, focusing on pharmaceutical transport, expanded by 22%. "FlightValet," which serves luxury vehicle customers, saw a 174% increase.

Etihad also expanded its freighter services, adding new routes to hubs in Hong Kong, Riyadh, Paris, and Frankfurt. It strengthened its fleet with a dedicated Boeing 777 freighter operated by Atlas Air, bringing the total freighter fleet to six.

Stanislas Brun, Etihad's chief cargo officer, said, “2025 was a milestone year for Etihad Cargo, driven by customer trust and our team's dedication. We’ve expanded our network to meet rising demand, cementing our position as the leading cargo operator between the Middle East and China.”

Looking ahead, Etihad Cargo aims to scale its network further and invest in customer-centric developments to meet the growing global demand. The airline’s overall profits for the year reached USD 698 million, up 47% from the previous year, with a revenue growth of 21%, totaling USD 8.4 billion.

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