Etihad is using its own metal and developing partnerships with other airlines to grow, strategies which it believes are complementary and can go hand in hand, especially at a time when competition is tough and yields are down. (Photo: Etihad Airways)

Six Boeing 777-300ERs joined the Swiss fleet in 2016, providing a boost in belly capacity. (Photo: Jeffrey Lee)

There has been a good start to the year for air cargo, according to the International Air Transport Association. (Photo: Jeffrey Lee)

Japanese carriers ANA and JAL held their own in the cargo business in 2016, thanks in part to strong demand in the second half of the year. (Photo: Jeffrey Lee)