Etihad took delivery of three new Boeing and Airbus wide-body freighters, bringing the carrier’s fleet to nine aircraft.
The latest arrival, a Boeing 747-8F, was unveiled to customers and partners at Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies’ Hangar 6.
In conjunction with Atlas Air, the Boeing 747-8F is being deployed on a new round-the-world route to Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Chicago, Miami, Quito, Amsterdam and Campinas, Brazil.
Two other freighters recently joining the fleet include a Boeing 777F and an Airbus A330F.
“These modern, fuel-efficient aircraft represent an important step in the growth and development of Etihad Cargo,” James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, said. “As Etihad Cargo continues to work closely with its partners and expands in step with the growth and development of Abu Dhabi, these freighters will significantly enhance our capability to deliver a world-class service to our customers.”
In May, Etihad Cargo signed a multi-year Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance agreement with Atlas Air to operate the Boeing 747-8 with its 138-tonne cargo capacity for the new round-the-world schedule.
“We are delighted to help Etihad Cargo extend its reach with next-generation performance in payload, fuel efficiency and total cost per tonne-mile,” William J. Flynn, president and CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide, said. “Together with our global operations and our reliable, high-quality service, Etihad Cargo now has additional flexibility to take advantage of market opportunities.”
In addition to taking new aircraft deliveries, Etihad Airways will also increase its Abu Dhabi-Sao Paulo service from three flights per week to a daily schedule beginning Aug. 1. Etihad launched flights to Sao Paulo, its first destination in South America, in early June.
Photo caption: The Etihad Cargo Boeing 747-8 freighter sits on display at ADAT’s Hangar 6 in Abu Dhabi.