BOEEING 777

UAE-based Etihad Airways’ freight division Etihad Cargo has received a new 777 freighter aircraft from Boeing.

The aircraft was delivered as part of a contract signed between the two companies in 2013.

Etihad Airways chief strategy and planning officer Kevin Knight was quoted by Saudi Gazette as saying: "The additional freighter gives us the opportunity to expand our specialist cargo services and grow our market share.

"Over the last year, we have been expanding into South America, Africa and Asia, and the new aircraft will enhance capacity and enable us to increase frequency across our scheduled network, but importantly also increase our charter opportunities to growth areas of the world."

"The new aircraft will enhance capacity and enable us to increase frequency across our scheduled network."

The new aircraft will join the fleet of ten 777 aircraft currently operational with the airways. A second aircraft is expected to be delivered in March.

The 777 Freighter is claimed to fly 9,070km with a full payload and general cargo densities, offering significant savings for cargo operators.

Global air freight traffic is estimated to increase by 4.7% a year in the next 20 years, according to the Boeing World Air Cargo Forecast.

Etihad Cargo eurrently operates three Boeing 777Fs, three Boeing 747s and four Airbus A330s, reported the publication.

Image: The 777 Freighter can fly 9,070km with a full payload and general cargo densities. Photo: courtesy of Altair78 via Wikipedia.