With the launch of Etihad Airways passenger services to Barcelona, Etihad Cargo has expanded its cargo capacity into Spain, providing freight forwarders and cargo customers greater access to its global network along key trade routes connecting Europe to the Middle East, Africa and Asia over its Abu Dhabi hub.
Etihad launched its first scheduled flights linking Abu Dhabi and Barcelona on November 28. Combined with its daily Madrid service, launched in 2015, Etihad Cargo now offers 28 tons cargo capacity out of Spain via bellyhold of its 787 and A330 aircraft every day. In addition, trucking services for gateways across Europe further compliment the network, offering customers greater reach and faster delivery times.
Abdulla Mohamed Shadid, Etihad Airways Managing Director Cargo and Logistics, said: “Spain is an important global trade market with high demand for both import and export capabilities to key destinations across the Middle East and Asia. Expanding our capacity into the market with the addition of services to Barcelona enhances our network with even greater focus on key global trade routes.
“The growing commercial and cultural links between the UAE and Spain are an opportunity to increase trade and Etihad is honoured to play a pivotal role in facilitating and enhancing its growth.”
Etihad Cargo first started operating in Spain as on off-line carrier, sending shipments to Paris and Amsterdam via truck to feed into the Etihad network. Since the inaugural passenger flight to Madrid on March 30 2015, Etihad Cargo has provided daily air cargo services to key destinations across the GCC, Africa, Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia.
The new Barcelona service will add to this with an initial schedule of five times per week, before increasing to a daily service on March 31 2019.
Key segments for Etihad Cargo in Spain are fashion, perishable goods, pharma and automotive, which are catered to by specialist Etihad Cargo products.
FreshForward is designed for the cold chain industry to ensure items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat and flowers move seamlessly across Etihad Cargo’s global network from Spain until they reach their final destination.
The cargo carrier specializes in transporting for the pharma industry with its TempCheck product, a dedicated service catering for all temperature sensitive shipments with bespoke containers and processes, ensuring the best possible care of cargo.
Earlier this year Etihad Cargo launched FlightValet to ease the process of moving motor vehicles across the globe. Customers choosing the service will benefit from Etihad Cargo’s proven track record in handling some of the world’s most valuable cars. FlightValet is offered through a dedicated team that will oversee the swift, safe and secure delivery of the vehicle to its final destination
