Etihad Cargo reported a double-digit increase in cargo volumes in the first half of the year, driven by e-commerce and increased demand across key markets. 

The cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways experienced a 17% increase in tonnage from the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024.

"Regionally, Etihad Cargo has achieved significant growth, particularly in the East, where tonnage increased by 19%. The Western region also saw a substantial tonnage increase of 20%, while the UAE experienced a 15% growth in tonnage," Etihad Cargo said in a statement.

Stanislas Brun, vice president of cargo, said Etihad Cargo has demonstrated agility by adapting to evolving customer needs and responding to increased demand across key markets.

"The carrier has strategically increased freighter and belly capacity to support regional growth and Etihad Cargo's partners. Achieving double-digit tonnage growth is a testament to the team's dedication and the effectiveness of Etihad Cargo's expansion strategies," he said.

Brun noted the importance of strengthening Etihad Cargo's capabilities within its regional teams and ensuring the highest standards of operation across the carrier's global network for its success.

Etihad Cargo noted that it has continued to enhance its special product range, contributing to the carrier's growth. The carrier's IATA CEIV Pharma-certified PharmaLife product witnessed a 9% increase in tonnage during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

The carrier noted that this was supported by the introduction of specialised cool dollies and breathable thermal blankets to minimise exposure to adverse environmental conditions outside temperature-controlled cool rooms.

SecureTech, launched in February 2024, achieved a 95% increase in revenue during the same period.

Etihad Cargo said this product is dedicated to the safe and secure transportation of consumer electronics, addressing the increasing demand driven by new mobile phones and devices.

The carrier also said it achieved IATA's CEIV Li-batt certification, becoming the third Middle Eastern airline to earn this standard for the safe transportation of lithium battery shipments.

E-commerce boost 

Meanwhile, adapting to the growing e-commerce market, Etihad Cargo has implemented strategic initiatives, including dedicated charters for the express transportation of e-commerce goods.

With contracts extended until December 2024, Etihad Cargo is well-positioned to handle large volumes efficiently.

It noted that the strategic location of Zayed International Airport and the carrier's handling of express and e-commerce cargo have solidified its status as a hub for e-commerce transit.

To provide more capacity globally, Etihad Cargo noted that the carrier's summer schedule introduced 24 passenger flights to new destinations, including Antalya, Bali, Al-Qassim (Saudi Arabia), Jaipur, Malaga, Mykonos, Nice, and Santorini.

It has also increased passenger flights to existing routes by 70 per week, bringing the total number of flights offering belly capacity to 865.

The carrier also launched a new freighter route to Madrid in July, operating two weekly Boeing 777 freighter flights, bringing its total to 36 weekly freighter-only flights. This enhances its European network and supports e-commerce connectivity from Asia to Europe.

Partnerships have continued to be a priority for Etihad Cargo and have been pivotal to strategic growth. To meet the increasing demand for capacity out of China, Etihad Cargo said it expanded its partnership with SF Airlines, increasing freighter frequency between Abu Dhabi and Ezhou and launching a new service between Shenzhen and Abu Dhabi.

"This collaboration boosts the partnership’s weekly capacity to 840 tonnes, enhancing connectivity between China, the UAE, and global destinations," the carrier said.