Agreement signed at TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum 2026 supports Virginia’s strategy to develop Washington Dulles as a competitive global air cargo gateway
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum 2026, establishing a framework for collaboration to strengthen international air cargo connectivity and support the growth of aviation-related trade.
The agreement creates opportunities for the organizations to exchange market insights, explore joint initiatives, and identify opportunities to expand air cargo and passenger activity. The collaboration supports Virginia’s broader strategy to strengthen Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) as a competitive global air cargo gateway, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive supply chains serving the pharmaceutical, perishables, energy, data center, and cloud computing industries. These strategic sectors depend on reliable global connectivity to support investment, innovation, and international trade.
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Etihad Cargo’s experience across specialised cargo segments complements the areas of focus identified under the MOU. Its dedicated PharmaLife and FreshForward products support the transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and perishables, alongside broader capabilities in handling high-value, time-sensitive and specialised cargo across its global network.
Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Virginia is home to industries with highly specialised logistics requirements, from pharmaceuticals and perishables to technology and data centre 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.”
“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,” said Eric Jehu, Vice President of Logistics at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. “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.”
