Offering a new freighter route to Guangzhou comes in response to increased demand for cargo capacity for China.
"With the introduction of a new freighter service between our Abu Dhabi hub and Guangzhou, combined with increased frequencies across China via Etihad Cargo's freighter services and the airline's passenger flights, customers and partners benefit from increased cargo capacity.
Expanding the carrier's reach into the Chinese market not only meets the increased demand for cargo capacity in this region but will also further strengthen ties between the UAE and China, providing more opportunities for increased collaboration between the two countries," said Leonard Rodrigues, Head of Revenue Management, Fleet and Network at Etihad Cargo.
The Head of Marketing Department of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport said: "This significant milestone reflects our enduring partnership since the launch of Etihad Airways' Abu Dhabi-Guangzhou passenger flight route in October last year, which played a vital role in the recovery of the Guangzhou market and the Greater Bay Area in the post-pandemic era.
The introduction of this all-cargo scheduled flight route will further enhance trade and logistics development between Guangzhou and Abu Dhabi International Airport, while strengthening connectivity between the Middle East, China, and other Belt and Road Initiative economies. We eagerly anticipate a brighter future as we continue to work closely with Etihad Airways."
It follows Etihad Cargo's recent move to provide a weekly freighter service to the Hubei Province of China.
The carrier's inaugural flight to Ezhou Huahu Airport arrived on 18 August, making Etihad Cargo the first international carrier to operate flights to China's first professional cargo airport. The carrier also offers eight weekly freighter flights to Shanghai.