Abu Dhabi-based Etihad has signed a firm order for two additional A330-200F aircraft to join its Crystal Cargo fleet.
Etihad already operates two A330-200F’s, and was the launch customer for the latest Airbus cargo jet, the first being delivered at the 2010 Farnborough Air Show. Airbus has delivered a total of nine to Etihad, Malaysia Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines.
In a statement, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Hogan, praised the jet’s service with the airline so far, saying, “We are strongly committed to building our presence in the cargo sector with the platform of Abu Dhabi as our hub to connect global trade lanes. “The A330-200F has been a key part of our recent success in the market. We are very pleased with its high reliability and versatility, and that’s why we are keen to expand this fleet type.”
“This repeat order by Etihad underlines the key role the A330-200F is playing alongside larger freighters. The A330-200F enables Etihad to optimise its network by addressing markets which do not make business sense with large freighters,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “In a challenging economic environment, with high fuel prices and yields under pressure, the A330-200F helps match capacity neatly with demand which allows for efficient cargo operations.”
Etihad Airbus A330-200F (A6-DCA) takes off from Toulouse. (Photo by Airbus/A. Domenjou)
