Etihad Airways and Henan Province Airport Group aim to establish a strategic partnership to strengthen aviation ties between the UAE and China.

The signing of the MoU took place during the virtual ‘Zhengzhou Week’ event hosted by Expo 2020 Dubai China Pavilion.

The MOU contains plans for Etihad’s potential operation of regular cargo services between Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) to create the “Air Silk Road” between Henan Province and the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The MOU also covers scope of cooperation between the two parties to build the CGO airport into an air freight hub in the region, and to diversify product sales and cargo distribution channels at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport.

Martin Drew, senior vice president sales and Cargo, Etihad Airways said, “Etihad is very excited to see the potential to further expand its cargo footprint in China, and to create the ‘Air Silk Road’ between the emirate and Central China together with Henan Province Airport Group. This will greatly improve the diversification of product sales and cargo distribution channels in this region and strengthen economic and trade links between the UAE and China, and beyond.

“As the national airline of the UAE, Etihad Airways has played a key role in the transportation of vaccines and medical supplies within and outside the UAE, based on its professional medical logistics solutions. Since the start of the pandemic, Etihad Cargo has operated 1,042 flights out of Shanghai and Beijing, carrying over 65,000 tons on its Boeing 777 freighters and passenger freighters, among which 50% of the flights were medical supplies to support the global fight against COVID-19 and equip frontline medical professionals.”