ETIHAD AIRWAYS saw a 26 per cent year on year increase in cargo volumes in the first quarter of 2014, handling 128,000 tonnes of freight and mail.
The United Arab Emirates based passenger airline’s cargo revenue increased by the same percentage to US$243m, placing the Etihad Cargo division on track to become a billion dollar business in 2014.
The rapid revenue growth in the first quarter was helped by a 32 per cent rise in volumes for the Indian market and a 14 per cent increase in China. The period under review also saw new routes added to Brazil and Vietnam, and heavy demand for “charter solutions”.
Etihad’s cargo volumes were also strengthened by the launch of a joint freighter service with DHL, serving Pakistan and the GCC markets out of its Abu Dhabi home base.
Etihad currently operates a nine strong freighter fleet, made up of three 777-200Fs, two B747-400Fs, one 747-800F and three A330-200Fs.
Airline president and chief executive, James Hogan, said: “Although the global airline industry has faced challenges such as higher-than-expected fuel prices and fierce competition in key international markets during the first quarter of 2014, we have continued to outperform the passenger and cargo markets, and raise the bar even further for Etihad Airways.
“Our strong performance highlights the continued success of Etihad Airways’ strategic master plan, which focuses on the three fundamental pillars of organic network growth, codeshare partnerships and minority equity investments in other airlines around the world.”
