Etihad Cargo has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) to improve international air cargo connectivity and support the growth of airfreight-related trade. The agreement, signed at the 2026 TIACA Air Cargo Forum, sets out a framework for cooperation between the two organizations.
Etihad Cargo and VEDP will exchange market intelligence, evaluate potential joint ventures and explore opportunities to enhance both air cargo and passenger business as a consequence of the partnership. It also supports Virginia’s larger economic development strategy to build up Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) as a competitive gateway for international air cargo operations.
Special emphasis will be placed on supply chains serving industries with high logistics requirements such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, energy, data centers and cloud computing. These sectors require reliable international connectivity to attract investment, spur innovation and keep trade flowing efficiently.
The agreement should complement priorities set out in Etihad Cargo’s specialized transport capabilities. Its PharmaLife and FreshForward services are designed to help transport temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products and perishable goods. The carrier also has a proven track record for moving high value, time critical and specialized cargoes on its global network.
Stanislas Brun, Etihad Airways’ Chief Cargo Officer, noted the relevance of this expertise to Virginia’s industrial landscape, which includes pharmaceutical products, perishable commodities and technology infrastructure, creating specific transportation needs.
“Virginia is home to industries with highly specialized logistics needs, from pharmaceuticals and perishables to technology and data center infrastructure. Etihad Cargo has experience in handling temperature sensitive, high value and time critical shipments, and this provides us a strong base to bring practical cargo expertise to this collaboration. “We’re excited to have the chance to share knowledge and explore opportunities to enhance international air cargo connectivity through Washington Dulles with our MOU with VEDP,” Brun said.
For VEDP, the agreement is an opportunity to connect Virginia-based companies to wider international markets, and enhance the state’s logistics infrastructure and commercial ties.
“The economic impact of an air cargo hub is not just the tonnage that goes through it,” said Eric Jehu, vise president of logistics for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. It is wider important because it can bring investment, help businesses to grow and support the international competitiveness of local industries.
“An air cargo gateway is not only about the freight passing through it, it is about the investment and economic activity it allows. Virginia is building logistics capabilities and strategic alliances that enable our industries to compete in the global marketplace. “Our partnership with Etihad Cargo is another significant step toward connecting Virginia businesses to global opportunities and strengthening the Commonwealth’s position as a gateway for international trade,” Jehu said.
Through the MoU, both organizations will seek to identify ways to improve international cargo connections and find opportunities that will be beneficial to the Virginia business community. This partnership further highlights the role of Washington Dulles International Airport in supporting specialized supply chains and facilitating trade between the United States and international markets.
