Etihad launches Hanoi cargo flights

Monday, 28 July 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Etihad Cargo has started freighter flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Hanoi’s Nội Bài International Airport (HAN). Situated along the Red River delta, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, the country’s second biggest city, a major trading centre, and also one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

The dedicated cargo service will operate every Thursday and Sunday using an Airbus A330-200F freighter, with a capacity of 60 metric tons. Flights en route to Hanoi will stop briefly in Mumbai, while the return service is direct to Abu Dhabi. Etihad Cargo expects the new service to carry raw materials, consumer goods and perishables to Hanoi, with large quantities of electronics and textiles destined for the Gulf region, Europe and Africa loaded for the return flight. Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways’ Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said: “Vietnam is an important market for Etihad Cargo and our new twice weekly Hanoi freighter service will build on our existing daily bellyhold operations to Ho Chi Minh further south. The service will allow us to capitalise on the strong import and export demand to and from Vietnam and the rest of Southeast Asia, while providing our growing customer base with more choice for transporting goods around the world. In addition, while we expect to see strong onward trade flows over our Abu Dhabi cargo hub to destinations across the Middle East and Europe, ultimately this service will further strengthen the trade ties between the UAE and Vietnam.” Etihad Cargo offers services to 108 destinations internationally, operating a fleet of ten freighters, consisting of four Airbus A330-200F, three Boeing B777F, and three Boeing 747F.