Etihad Cargo has ramped up its China service with the introduction of more freighter flights per week.

The cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group said throughout the pandemic, the carrier remained committed to the Chinese market with a wide variety of capacities, including reconfigured cargo-only passenger freighters.

Etihad Cargo said from July onwards, it will continue to expand operations, focusing exclusively on direct passenger flights and dedicated 777 Freighter flights.

"Etihad Cargo has reinforced its commitment to the Chinese market with the introduction of 15 direct passenger and freighter flights per week," the airline said.

In addition to cargo capacity on passenger flights, Etihad Cargo also operates Boeing 777-200 freighter flights daily for Shanghai and six times per week for Hong Kong, bringing the total cargo capacity into and out of China to 2,708 tonnes per week.

Serving China market beyond Covid-19

"As the Chinese market starts to recover from Covid challenges and zero-Covid restrictions are lifted, Etihad is pleased to resume its passenger operations to Beijing and reaffirm our commitment to Etihad Cargo customers with the introduction of capacity on key trade lanes," said Martin Drew, senior vice president Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group.

Drew noted that these flights will connect China to the Middle East, Europe, and the rest of the world via Etihad Cargo's hub in Abu Dhabi.

"China is a critical strategic market for Etihad Cargo, and the direct flights between the two capital cities and other major destinations will further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and China," Drew added.

The airline noted that throughout the pandemic, Etihad Cargo continued to operate direct routes into China, providing cargo capacity via a fleet of modified mini freighters.

With the resumption of passenger flights and a schedule of freighter flights, the mini freighters will be taken out of rotation.

Etihad Cargo recently announced its summer schedule, which introduced the capacity to key destinations across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

In addition to adding direct flights into and out of Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, the carrier will continue to operate its Boeing 777 freighter network with flights across Chicago, Dhaka, Frankfurt, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Johannesburg, Kenya, Milan, and Riyadh.