Etihad starts A330-200 freighter service to Tripoli

Sunday, 3 October 2010 23:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Etihad Crystal Cargo, a division of Etihad Airways, has commenced scheduled services with its first Airbus A330-200 freighter aircraft, operating from Abu Dhabi to Tripoli in Libya.

The Airbus A330-200 freighter aircraft will allow Etihad to increase frequencies and build its presence in key markets worldwide, as well as enhance its worldwide charter services. The aircraft will operate to various Etihad Crystal Cargo destinations including: Hann; Beijing; Tripoli; Milan; and N’Djamena.

Roy Kinnear, Executive Vice President of Etihad Crystal Cargo, said the new A330-200 freighter aircraft was a key part of the airline’s freighter fleet.

“The A330-200 freighter will reinforce and build Etihad’s presence in the high-growth European and Asian freight markets, in particular China.

“Etihad Crystal Cargo is performing very well for Etihad and the entry into service of the A330-200 freighter is an example of our commitment to the growth and expansion of our business.”

Etihad is the launch customer of the A330-200 freighter aircraft, and participated in a handover ceremony with Airbus at the Farnborough International Air Show in July. The A330-200 freighter can carry up to 64 metric tonnes of cargo and can fly up to 7,400 kilometres non-stop.

Etihad is set to take delivery of a second A330-200 freighter in December, 2010.

The A330-200 freighter aircraft is part of the airline’s order placed with Airbus at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget in 2007, for aircraft to be delivered between 2008 and 2011.

With its fleet of one A330-200F, two Airbus A300-600F aircraft and two MD11s, Etihad Crystal Cargo operates to 22 cargo freighter destinations in the Middle East and Africa and 70 destinations across the globe.