ETIHAD Cargo is revising its global freighter network in an effort 'to simplify its route network and maximise freighter-to-bellyhold flows'.
The carrier will redeploy its Boeing 777 freighter capacity on 'core trade lanes' to connect its Abu Dhabi hub to destinations in Asia, Europe and the US.
Some destinations have been removed from the global network but the carrier has designated a freighter to meet ad hoc demand during the coming peak season, reported London's Air Cargo News.
Commenting on the new cargo route network, the UAE carrier said: 'The new freighter network will see the airline increase existing Boeing 777 freighter frequencies into key markets in China and India, adding one weekly rotation each into Shanghai (x5) and Chennai (x3).
'The carrier also reinforced its commitment to customers in its core markets as it continues to service Amsterdam (x3), Frankfurt (x3), Columbus Ohio (x3), Hong Kong (x2), Hanoi (x2), Mumbai (x2), Dhaka (x2), East Midlands (x2), Dammam (x2), Delhi (x1), Bangalore (x1) and Chittagong (x1) on a weekly basis.'
A few stations have been removed from the new Etihad Cargo freighter network, the largest of which was Nairobi, with the carrier citing 'weakening demand and market behaviours that rendered other core markets more attractive to serve.'
To meet seasonal peak in demand, the airline is dedicating an aircraft for ad-hoc charter flying during the fourth quarter and has started taking bookings ahead of October.
The fourth quarter will also see the airline offer customers incremental lower-deck cargo capacity to and from Abu Dhabi and the key markets of Singapore, Toronto, Cairo and Bangalore.
For the first time it will also offer cargo capacity into and out of Barcelona, effective November 28, with the launch of its first direct service to the Spanish city from Abu Dhabi.
The carrier will redeploy its Boeing 777 freighter capacity on 'core trade lanes' to connect its Abu Dhabi hub to destinations in Asia, Europe and the US.
Some destinations have been removed from the global network but the carrier has designated a freighter to meet ad hoc demand during the coming peak season, reported London's Air Cargo News.
Commenting on the new cargo route network, the UAE carrier said: 'The new freighter network will see the airline increase existing Boeing 777 freighter frequencies into key markets in China and India, adding one weekly rotation each into Shanghai (x5) and Chennai (x3).
'The carrier also reinforced its commitment to customers in its core markets as it continues to service Amsterdam (x3), Frankfurt (x3), Columbus Ohio (x3), Hong Kong (x2), Hanoi (x2), Mumbai (x2), Dhaka (x2), East Midlands (x2), Dammam (x2), Delhi (x1), Bangalore (x1) and Chittagong (x1) on a weekly basis.'
A few stations have been removed from the new Etihad Cargo freighter network, the largest of which was Nairobi, with the carrier citing 'weakening demand and market behaviours that rendered other core markets more attractive to serve.'
To meet seasonal peak in demand, the airline is dedicating an aircraft for ad-hoc charter flying during the fourth quarter and has started taking bookings ahead of October.
The fourth quarter will also see the airline offer customers incremental lower-deck cargo capacity to and from Abu Dhabi and the key markets of Singapore, Toronto, Cairo and Bangalore.
For the first time it will also offer cargo capacity into and out of Barcelona, effective November 28, with the launch of its first direct service to the Spanish city from Abu Dhabi.