Etihad Airways Partners with Western Global to Expand Cargo Services to China and London

Etihad Airways has enlisted Western Global Airlines to support expanded freighter service to China and London. Western Global will operate a Boeing 747-400 on behalf of Etihad Cargo to carry e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and perishables. The new service will increase Etihad's weekly freighter rotations to 17, up from 14. This is a significant expansion of Etihad's cargo capacity, which currently operates five Boeing 777 freighters and manages belly cargo carried by passenger aircraft.

Etihad Airways has announced a significant expansion in its freighter services, partnering with Western Global Airlines to operate a Boeing 747-400 on its behalf. This new arrangement will support Etihad's growing demand for cargo services to China and London, particularly for e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and perishables.

The new service, set to commence soon, will increase Etihad Cargo's weekly freighter rotations to 17, up from the current 14. This expansion is a strategic move to meet the growing demand on key trade lanes, including three weekly all-cargo flights to Shenzhen, China, and two weekly flights to London Stansted Airport via its Abu Dhabi hub.

Western Global Airlines, which has been struggling to recover from bankruptcy, will operate the Boeing 747-400 under a wet lease agreement with Etihad. This arrangement allows Etihad to supplement its existing capacity with a dedicated cargo jet, enhancing its ability to carry high-value goods between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Etihad's cargo division currently operates five Boeing 777 freighters and manages belly cargo carried by passenger aircraft. The addition of the Western Global freighter will provide a substantial boost to its overall cargo capacity, aligning with Etihad's goal of increasing its weekly freighter flights to 18 by the end of the year.

Earlier this week, Etihad also announced a partnership with China's SF Airlines to expand their capacity-sharing agreement. This joint venture aims to increase connectivity for each other's customers and support the movement of high-value electronics, sensitive equipment, and temperature-controlled pharmaceutical goods.

The new service and partnership are part of Etihad's broader strategy to enhance its competitive position in the air cargo industry, optimize operational efficiency, and provide tailored products and services to shippers.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/etihad-airways-hires-747-operator-144830041.html
[2] https://www.freightwaves.com/news/etihad-airways-hires-747-operator-western-global-to-expand-cargo-service