Etihad Cargo will introduce an additional 30 tonnes of belly capacity via two weekly direct passenger flights to Guangzhou using a Boeing 777 starting 10 October, subject to regulatory approvals.

This latest addition to the carrier’s network means that Etihad will become the first international airline to operate long-haul passenger and cargo services to China’s top three gateways since the start of the pandemic.

In July, the carrier announced the introduction of direct passenger flights to Beijing, bringing the total number of direct passenger and freighter flights to China to 15. The airline also operates six Boeing 777-200 freighter flights for Shanghai and five dedicated freighter services for Hong Kong per week.

With the introduction of services to Guangzhou by October, Etihad Cargo will offer 1,520 tonnes of total cargo capacity into and out of China per week. The carrier transports a wide range of products from China to the UAE, Europe and the US, with electronics being the most widely transported product.

Earlier this year, it launched a dedicated Mandarin version of the carrier’s website and booking portal, making the booking process easier for customers located in China.