Etihad Cargo transported 592,700 tonnes of cargo in 2016, a 0.1% increase year-on-year, according to statistics released by the Etihad Aviation Group.

“2016 saw sustained growth in a very tough business environment,” said James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Aviation Group. “This is where Etihad Airways’ superior products and services show their true value and where the strength of the EAG business model comes into effect through its diversity of businesses, cost-effective synergies and global spread of risk. Most importantly, in 2016 we were able to introduce our new group structure, which positions this business for long-term growth and development.”

During the year, Etihad Cargo launched freighter services to Addis Ababa, Brussels, Casablanca, Colombo, Columbus Rickenbacker, Copenhagen, East Midlands, London Stansted, Muscat and Zhengzhou. The number of freighter-only destinations now stands at 15.

On the passenger side, Etihad launched flights to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen, Rabat and Venice.

The airline, which now has 119 aircraft in its fleet, took delivery three Airbus A380s, two Boeing 777 freighters and five 787-9s in 2016, and is due to receive an A330-200F, two A380s and nine 787-9s in 2017.

“2017 will be another challenging year,” said Hogan. “We will continue to expand prudently and efficiently, reflecting the nature of the economic environment. We remain optimistic and have every belief that our robust business model will succeed and, most importantly, stand the test of time.”