Etihad Cargo is launching a new freighter service to Paris CDG as it looks to improve European connectivity with Asia.
The new weekly service will launch on January 7 and will connect Paris with the airline’s home hub of Abu Dhabi using one of its Boeing 777 freighters. From there, the airline will be able to offer freighter connections from Ezhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Hanoi and Zhengzhou.
The service will also integrate with the airline’s road feeder trucking network within China.
Stanislas Brun, vice president of cargo at Etihad Cargo, said: “Adding Paris to Etihad Cargo’s freighter network is a strategic milestone. This route expands Etihad Cargo’s European footprint and also supports the growing demand for Etihad Cargo’s specialised products across sectors, including pharmaceuticals and perishables.
“With the launch of the Paris service, Etihad Cargo continues to deliver tailored solutions and strengthen connectivity for partners and customers worldwide.”
Etihad said that as well as linking into its freighter network to China, it will also be able to connect with passenger services to destinations like Riyadh, Jakarta, Manila, Mumbai, Jakarta, Seoul, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur. Connections are also offered to Dubai and Sharjah.
The airline said that this connectivity would appeal to various shipment types, including specialised products such as pharma and perishables.
“It will provide more capacity for general cargo to destinations like Riyadh, Jakarta, and Manila, secure transport for pharmaceuticals under PharmaLife to Mumbai, Jakarta, Seoul and Sydney, and improved access for perishables through FreshForward to Kuala Lumpur, Dubai and Sharjah,” Etihad Cargo said in a press release.
It would also appeal to live animal, automotive and cultural cargo shipments.
Paris will become the 12th destination in Etihad Cargo’s freighter network.