Middle East carrier Etihad Airways has partnered with U.S.-based Western Global Airlines, still recovering from its bankruptcy exit 18 months ago, to expand its freighter service to China and London. Western Global Airlines will operate a Boeing 747-400 on Etihad’s behalf, as reported.
In April, Etihad Cargo, the airline’s cargo division, announced plans to add three weekly all-cargo flights to Shenzhen, China, and two weekly flights to London Stansted Airport via its Abu Dhabi hub. These flights aim to meet growing demand on key trade lanes. Etihad Cargo currently operates five Boeing 777 freighters and manages belly cargo carried by passenger aircraft. To supplement its capacity, they have leased a wet-leased 747 cargo jet from an unnamed provider to carry e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and other goods between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
After several weeks of delay, Etihad appears ready to commence the new freighter service.
Etihad Cargo officials declined to disclose the identity of the airline providing the outsourced transportation service. However, an email response from a media representative inadvertently included program details from someone else in the company who was copied on a reporter’s query.
