Etihad Cargo, Atlas Air Worldwide join in round-the-world freight loop
Etihad Cargo has announced its first round-the-world freighter routing in conjunction with Atlas Air Worldwide. The jointly operated routing begins, connecting Etihad Cargo's Abu Dhabi hub with destinations in Asia, the United States, South America and Europe. Miami (US), Viracopos (Brazil), and Quito (Ecuador) will become part the round-the-world Abu Dhabi-Hong Kong-Chicago-Miami-Viracopos-Quito-Amsterdam-Abu Dhabi freighter service offered with an Etihad Cargo-liveried Boeing 747-8 Freighter.
Earlier this month, Etihad Cargo signed a signed a multi-year Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance agreement with Atlas Air to provide the Boeing 747-8 Freighter with its 138-ton cargo capacity to operate the new schedule. The three new freighter destinations in the Americas will see Etihad Cargo's network extend to 92 points across the globe. The carrier's eight freighters operate to 28 of these destinations.
Kevin Knight, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer at Etihad Airways, said, Etihad Cargo is reinforcing its position as a global operator with the entry into service of this round-the-world routing, touching the Middle East, Asia Pacific, the Americas and Europe.
This goes beyond simply joining the dots, it's about working with partners, operating routes which benefit our customers across the globe, entering new markets, establishing new trade lanes, being cost effective and delivering value.
By linking the round-the-world capability with our existing Etihad Cargo services through our Abu Dhabi hub, we believe our offer is industry-leading.
In June, Etihad Cargo will add to its America's operations when Sao Paulo, Brazil comes on stream through a new Airbus A340-500 passenger service from Abu Dhabi, on which bellyhold cargo capability will also be offered.
The Boeing 747-8 Freighter is the largest in Etihad Cargo's current freighter fleet. The airline also operates three Boeing B777F, one Boeing 747-400ERF, one Boeing 747-400F and two Airbus A330-200F.
Etihad Cargo will take delivery of two additional freighters in 2013 and 2014, comprising two Airbus A330-200F.