Business & Finance Club - Dubai : Etihad Airways took delivery of its first A330-200 freighter aircraft on Monday, 9th August, 2010.

The Abu Dhabi based airline is the launch customer for the freighter, which made its maiden flight from Airbus in Toulouse.

The aircraft arrives at a time when cargo volumes are at their highest for Etihad, and will boost its expanding fleet of cargo aircraft.

James Hogan, chief executive officer, Etihad Airways, said: “The arrival of our new Airbus A330-200 freighter marks a new era in Etihad’s cargo services and will support Etihad’s goal to expand that side of the business further.”

In the year to date, Etihad Crystal Cargo has experienced a 21 percent growth in tonnage and a 30 percent growth in yield. Overall cargo revenue has grown by 57 percent since this time last year.

In July, the airline carried a record tonnage of more than 23,000 tonnes. More than 30,000 shipments were carried in the month, driven by increased volumes from Pakistan, Australia, China and Bangladesh. The UAE was the top cargo destination.

Hogan said that he hoped the A330-200 ability to carry up to 64 metric tonnes of cargo and fly up to 7.400 kilometres nonstop will allow the airline to increase its frequencies and build its presence in the high growth European and Asian freight markets.

Etihad Crystal Cargo will take delivery of a second freighter in October of 2010, and the two Airbuses will join their fleet of two leased MD-11 freighters and two leased A300 freighters.