Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Abu Dhabi-based UAE flag-carrier Etihad Airways, has expanded its maindeck capacity by 18 percent to meet increasing demand in the Greater China market.
Addtiional capacity is being provided in the form of a wet-leased Boeing 747-F. The extra capacity is expected to support “increased freight movements on high-demand routes and provide customers with greater flexibility in shipping cargo to and from key markets”, the airline said.
Those key markets include Europe as well as Asia, and Etihad Cargo has added two additional weekly flights to London as well as three additional weekly freighter flights to Shenzhen.
The expanded operations will strengthen connectivity between China, Europe and the Middle East, offering increased capacity for the transportation of e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables and other critical shipments.
Stanislas Brun, chief cargo officer at the freight carrier, said: “Etihad Cargo continues to invest in expanding its network and capacity to support the evolving needs of global trade.
“The introduction of the additional capacity and flights to Shenzhen and London Stansted demonstrate our commitment to meeting customer demand with increased availability and connectivity across key trade routes.”
Continued expansion
Earlier this year, Etihad Cargo announced double-digit percentage improvements in both its revenues and profits last year as it expanded its network and welcomed further bellyhold capacity.
In its annual results release, the airline said that last year’s cargo revenues had increased by 24.1% year on year to reach $1.3bn, while volumes for the year improved by 11.6% to reach 646,000 tonnes.
