Etihad Cargo has partnered with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum 2026 in Miami Beach. The agreement sets out a framework for cooperation aimed at improving international air cargo links and supporting aviation-driven trade. Under the MoU, both parties will share market intelligence, explore joint projects, and look for ways to grow cargo and passenger traffic. The partnership aligns with Virginia’s plan to develop Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) into a leading global cargo hub. Its main focus is on valuable, time-critical shipments in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, energy, data centers, and cloud computing, which require global connections to drive investment, innovation, and trade.
Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways, commented: “Virginia is home to industries with highly specialized logistics requirements, from pharmaceuticals and perishables to technology and data center infrastructure. Etihad Cargo’s experience in handling temperature-sensitive, high-value and time-critical shipments gives us a strong foundation to contribute practical cargo expertise to this collaboration. Through the MOU with VEDP, we look forward to exchanging knowledge and exploring opportunities that strengthen international air cargo connectivity through Washington Dulles.”
Eric Jehu, Vice President of Logistics at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, emphasized: “The value of an air cargo gateway isn’t measured simply by the freight moving through it, but by the investment and economic activity it enables. Virginia is building the logistics capabilities and strategic partnerships that allow our industries to compete in global markets. Our collaboration with Etihad Cargo represents another important step toward connecting Virginia businesses to global opportunities and strengthening the Commonwealth’s position as a gateway for international trade.”
