Etihad Crystal Cargo posts impressive growth in UK

According to the figures reported by Manchester Airport, Etihad Crystal Cargo generated nearly 600 tonnes of new business last month, the largest increase in the month.

"The UAE is the largest market in the Middle East for the UK, importing over AED17 billion worth of British goods per annum. 6th place within three months of operation is an excellent result, which reflects the rapid growth of our operations" said Ingo Roessler, V.P. Cargo, Etihad Airways.

Etihad Airways started daily services between Abu Dhabi and Manchester with an Airbus A330-200 on 26 March this year, complementing the airline's existing services to London Heathrow and Gatwick.

To market the new Etihad route, Etihad Crystal Cargo's GSSA for UK and Ireland, Platinum Air Cargo (UK) Ltd, opened up a brand new Manchester office.

"Our strategy to promote the Manchester - Abu Dhabi flights directly and specifically to the North of England, Scottish and Irish Freight Forwarding communities as their "local flights", and offering them a real alternative to both existing local carriers and the traditional London gateway options, paid off. We are looking to build further on this result, and are targeting a 'Top 5 placing' next time," said Keith Stevens, Managing director, Platinum Air Cargo.

In addition to the daily Manchester operation, Etihad Airways operates daily flights into London Gatwick and ten times a week into London Heathrow with an Airbus A330-200, offering 14 tonnes of cargo capacity at a full passenger load.