Etihad Crystal Cargo adds Addis Ababa

The service to Addis Ababa will be incorporated into one of Etihad Crystal Cargo's existing freighter rotations to Khartoum. Starting on 28 July, it will operate every Friday, departing from Abu Dhabi, and flying to Khartoum and Addis Ababa, before returning to the UAE's capital. The service is being operated on Airbus A300-600 aircraft, which offers 44 tonnes freight capacity.

"Ethiopia is one of Africa's fastest growing economies, which is very much based on its blooming floriculture market. By adding Addis Ababa to our Khartoum rotation, we will be expanding our customers' opportunities across the region, and also further developing our perishable services," said Ingo Roessler, Vice President Cargo, Etihad Airways.

Addis Express Plc has been appointed General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) for Etihad Crystal Cargo, which involves managing cargo sales and services across Ethiopia.

Etihad Crystal Cargo is currently evaluating additional interline services throughout Africa which could feed into the Khartoum and Addis Ababa service.

According to latest figures, Ethiopia's expanding floricultural market generated more than US $21m in 2005. A new cargo terminal has been opened at Bole International Airport to cater for the booming sector, and further major expansions are planned for the future.

In addition to flowers, Etihad Crystal Cargo also expects to transport large volumes of meat from Ethiopia to Gulf destinations.

The majority of cargo that will be transported to Ethiopia will originate from Europe, the Indian sub-continent, the Far East and South Africa, and consist of personal effects, hi-tech equipment, consumer goods, agriculture machinery and pharmaceutical products.

In addition to the freighter operations to East Africa, Etihad Airways also recently launched a three times a week Guest service to Khartoum, which is being serviced by one of the airline's Airbus A330-200 aircraft.