Etihad Cargo expands European freighter network with Madrid launch
New route adds over 200 tonnes of cargo capacity, highlights Madrid's importance as fashion destination in Europe
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, is expanding its freighter network with a new route to Madrid.
Starting July 15, 2024, Etihad Cargo will operate two weekly Boeing 777 freighter flights between Abu Dhabi and Madrid, adding over 200 tonnes of cargo capacity for Europe, says an official release.
"The launch of a twice-weekly freighter service between Abu Dhabi and Madrid will increase the total number of flights to Spain to 25 per week. Etihad Cargo provides belly capacity via 10 passenger flights to Madrid, 10 to Barcelona and three seasonal flights to Malaga launched as part of the airline's summer schedule. This expansion highlights the strategic importance of these destinations, particularly Madrid as a key European fashion hub, and aims to boost e-commerce connectivity from Asia to Europe via Etihad Cargo's Abu Dhabi hub."
The new route complements Etihad Cargo's existing European freighter network, which includes six weekly flights to Amsterdam and three weekly flights to Frankfurt, the release added. "With the addition of Madrid to the network, the total number of Etihad Cargo's freighter flights to Europe will increase to 11 per week."
Stanislas Brun, Vice President, Cargo, Etihad Cargo says: "Launching Madrid as Etihad Cargo’s latest European freighter destination supports the growing demand for e-commerce flows between Asia and Europe. Madrid's role as a key fashion hub makes it an essential destination for the carrier’s freighter network."
Etihad Cargo's hub in Abu Dhabi serves as a crucial link between East and West, providing efficient and reliable cargo services to meet the specific needs of the fashion industry and other sectors dependent on timely e-commerce deliveries, the release added.