UAE Flag carrier Etihad Airways' cargo unit is ranked one of the world's top 10 performing global air cargo operators following record breaking tonnage in April and May.
According to WorldACD carrier rankings, Etihad Cargo increased cargo volume handled by 48,869 tonnes in May, a 31 per cent increase year on year, and a nine per cent increase to 44,730 tonnes in April.
The increase was due to increased bellyhold capacity to and from New York, Munich and Chengdu following the gain of 10 passenger aircraft joining the fleet and the addition of five new passenger destinations.
The airline's tonnage was supported by further factors including enhanced scheduling, a robust charter business, better capacity utilisation on routes to India, the Netherlands and the US and optimised connections.
Etihad's chief strategy and planning officer Kevin Knight said the delivery of a fourth Airbus A330-200 freighter has supported growth. A fifth A330-200 is due second half of 2014.
The carrier has developed further bellyhold capacity on Etihad Airways' new daily service to Los Angeles and Zurich in June. Since May it launched a new weekly main deck freighter service linking Abu Dhabi and Entebbe.
Its freighter fleet includes three Boeing B777F, three Airbus A330-200F, three Boeing 747 planes and an Airbus A330-200F. These freighters fly up to thrice weekly to Bangalore, Beijing, and Almaty.
Its acquisition of Abu Dhabi Cargo Company in May 2013, along with Abu Dhabi Airport Services and Abu Dhabi In-flight Catering, has produced cost-cutting and revenue opportunities, according to Shipping Gazette.
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