Etihad Airways and SF Airlines, China’s top air cargo carrier, have formalized a Joint Business Agreement (JBA) aimed at strengthening their cargo operations, expanding network capacity, and providing customers with enhanced flexibility and service options. The agreement was signed today by Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, and Li Sheng, Vice President of SF Group and Chairman of SF Airlines.
Under this partnership, both airlines will collaborate on a metal-neutral basis to jointly market and integrate their airfreight services. This collaboration is designed to drive incremental growth and create a seamless, shared cargo network offering customers broader destination choices, increased capacity, and improved operational efficiency.
The JBA will see Etihad Airways and SF Airlines expand connectivity and capacity across key trade lanes, enhancing customer options. Both carriers plan to invest in raising service quality and operational performance to deliver a consistently superior customer experience.
The agreement also allows for coordinated pricing strategies and aligned service standards, streamlining offerings to ensure competitiveness. Joint decision-making on route allocation, sales strategies, and client management will foster operational synergies and optimize resource use.
Amid growing cross-border e-commerce and demand for time-sensitive and specialized shipments, this partnership aims to provide flexible, tailored solutions. The collaboration will emphasize key cargo verticals such as Etihad Cargo’s SecureTech and PharmaLife services, which handle high-value electronics, sensitive equipment, and temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, commented, “This agreement represents a major step in Etihad’s global connectivity strategy. Partnering with SF Airlines expands our service portfolio, enhances operational efficiency, and strengthens our competitive edge in air cargo.”
Li Sheng, Vice President of SF Group and Chairman of SF Airlines, added, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in SF Airlines’ international growth. Working with Etihad Airways increases our capacity and market reach, enabling us to deliver improved services. Together, we will drive innovation and efficiency to meet rising demand for quality logistics.”
The strategic alliance is expected to yield business efficiencies, stimulate revenue growth, and elevate customer satisfaction. By leveraging their combined strengths, Etihad Airways and SF Airlines are positioned to deliver world-class air cargo solutions that address the evolving needs of the global logistics sector.
