Etihad Cargo posts record January tonnage as demand grows

In its annual results announced two weeks ago, Etihad Cargo reported annual tonnage growth of 19% for 2012 on the back of a capacity increase of 14% in Available Tonnage Kilometres.

Etihad Airways' Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, Kevin Knight, said, "2012 was a record-breaking year for Etihad Cargo and based on projections, demand will be greater again in 2013."

"The impressive tonnage figures for January were driven largely by increased demand into and out of China and India," he added.

"Looking ahead, our forecasts point to continued strong demand in key exporting and importing markets such as China, India, Southeast Asia and Europe, and we remain confident that we have the right product and fleet strategy to match customers' expectations," he concluded.

To ensure capacity stays ahead of demand, Etihad Cargo will take delivery of three additional freighters in 2013 and 2014, comprising one Boeing B777F and two Airbus A330-200F.

The airline currently operates two Boeing B777F, one Boeing 747-400F, two Airbus A330-200F and one Airbus A300-600F. In total, Etihad Cargo serves 86 destinations across the globe.