Etihad Cargo has launched a new twice weekly A330 freighter service between its Abu Dhabi hub and Europe's Brussels Airport.
The Middle East carrier said it would complement bellyhold space on its existing passenger flights to the Belgian capital.
The carrier adds that one of the attractions of Brussels is that it has dedicated infrastructure for the transport and handling of products requiring an unbroken cold chain, particularly pharmaceutical products and perishables.
Etihad Cargo launched a specialised product for the pharmaceutical industry, TempCheck, in March 2015. It ensures that all temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products including blood plasma, tablets, medicines and anaesthetics are transported in line with industry guidelines.
The programme is supervised by experienced Etihad Cargo teams and supporting ground handling staff.
David Kerr, vice president of Etihad Cargo, said: “Brussels is an important route into Europe with the freight operation returning to full strength.
“Brussels provides vital connections across Europe and is also a key connector into Africa so we know that it will be another important route on our global freighter network.”
Brussels Airport has reported that its cargo on full freighter traffic had fully recovered, following the March 22 terrorist attacks, with total volume in May 2016 at 40,396 tonnes.
Belly hold cargo is still lagging behind, as it has taken longer to reinstate passenger flights in the wake of the incidents. although, the airport’s capacity to handle passenger flights was increased from 22 to 28 flights per hour.
