New Etihad Kuala Lumpur route to offer enhanced cargo services to Far East

From 16 January 2007, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will operate one of its three-zone Airbus A340-300 aircraft on the route, which offers the airline's cargo customers a capacity of up to 15 tonnes each way at a full passenger load.

Currently, there are more than 35 Malaysian companies operating in the UAE, and this figure is set to increase significantly with a growing number of Malay companies looking into setting up businesses in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

"Cargo always plays a key role in all of our Guest destinations and Kuala Lumpur will be no exception. Since announcing that, from January, Etihad will be flying to Malaysia, many established and potential Crystal Cargo customers have been making enquiries with us, illustrating just how important this sector is," said Rupert Batstone, Acting VP Cargo, Etihad Airways.

"In addition to a broad range of consumer goods, we also expect to be transporting building materials, electrical appliances and timber products."

According to the latest statistics, Malaysia is not only the top exporter to UAE among the Asian countries, but also importing an increasing number of goods from the UAE, with the total trade between the two countries reaching US $606 million for the last two years.

"This new Etihad service will further enhance the trade links between the two capital cities. Kuala Lumpur and Abu Dhabi both enjoy advanced city infrastructures with vibrant, diversified economies which regularly attract business and tourism from all over the world," added Batstone.

Kuala Lumpur will be Etihad's fourth Far East destination, following the highly successful double-daily service to Bangkok, and non-stop operations to Jakarta and Manila.

The service will operate every day of the week except Saturday. Outbound EY 405 will depart Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at 02:40, arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) at 14:15. The return flight EY 406 will depart Kuala Lumpur at 15:00, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 18:15.