Etihad and Hahn airport jointly launch Boeing 777 Freighter operations

Etihad Crystal Cargo today launched its new Boeing 777 Freighter operations from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to Hahn in Germany. Etihad Crystal Cargo is the fast growing cargo division of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. 

This high-capacity freighter is Etihad’s first Boeing freighter and joins the airline’s existing Boeing 777 fleet, which includes seven 777-300ERs. The 777 Freighter is the world's longest-range, twin-engine freighter and features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter. 

Roy Kinnear, Senior Vice President Cargo at Etihad stated: “We are very excited about this latest addition to our dedicated Crystal Cargo freighter fleet and we expect the 777 Freighter to deliver exceptional value to us and to our customers.  Cargo is a growing business for Etihad, and we look forward to growing it even more with the arrival of this new important aircraft.  With its proven track record, long-range capabilities and operating efficiencies, the 777 Freighter will allow us to economically deliver cargo further than ever before.” 

The 777 Freighter is based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane and can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometres) with a full payload of 225,200 pounds (102 metric tons). With high-cargo density and 10-foot (3.1-meter) interior height capability, the 777 Freighter provides a cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes. 

Joerg Schumacher, Managing Director of Frankfurt-Hahn Airport said: “Etihad Crystal Cargo is an important customer for us here at Hahn and we’re delighted to support the launching of full freighter operations with this new impressive aircraft. We’re currently registering a considerable expansion rate in our cargo business. Together with Etihad we look forward to even more growth.” 

From January to May 2011 Frankfurt-Hahn Airport handled about 118,000 tons of airfreight, 49 percent more than in the previous year. With a 3,800-metre runway and an unrestricted 24-hours operating license, it meets the major requirements of the international cargo industry. 

“The cargo sector in the Middle East is a fast-growing sector and Boeing is extremely excited that the 777 Freighter is now operated by Etihad Crystal Cargo and has been selected to launch the operation between Abu Dhabi and Germany,” said Tom Crabtree, Marketing – Air Cargo, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are confident that the 777 Freighter’s high capacity and range, combined with the superior operating economics, will add a tremendous amount of value to Etihad’s air cargo operations.”  

With its updated fleet of one Boeing 777 Freighter, two Airbus A330-200F, two Airbus A300-600F aircraft and two McDonnell Douglas MD11s, Etihad Crystal Cargo operates to 27 cargo freighter destinations in the Middle East and Africa and 76 destinations across the globe.