Etihad Cargo has increased its freighter services to Africa with the launch of a cargo only service from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Maya Maya Airport, Brazzaville (BZV), in the Republic of Congo.

Operating twice weekly using a B777F freighter aircraft, the new service will fly from Abu Dhabi to Brazzaville via Lagos airport (LOS) in Nigeria. The freighter has a capacity of 100 metric tonnes and will transports tools, machinery, general cargo, electronics and project equipment. Brazzaville is the Republic of Congo’s capital and largest city, and a key political, economic and transportation hub in Central Africa.

Kevin Knight, chief strategy and planning officer at Etihad Airways, said: “We are pleased to add the Republic of Congo to our growing network of cargo destinations. Our new freighter service will allow us to capitalise on trade between the Republic and the UAE, and better connect Africa with markets in Europe, the Middle East and Asia” Etihad Cargo flies directly from Abu Dhabi to eight destinations in Africa, and this is extended to over 30 destinations across the continent through codeshare partnerships with Royal Air Maroc, Kenya Airways, South African Airways and Air Seychelles.

The airline currently operates to 11 freighter-only destinations that include Bogotá, Chittagong, Djibouti, Dubai World Central, Eldoret, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Houston, Kabul and Sharjah, with Brazzaville the latest addition.