Etihad Cargo, part of UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways, moved 49,700 tons of cargo around the world in November, the most it has ever carried in one month, and up 52 per cent on the same period last year.

This surpassed the previous month of October, where cargo carried totalled 45,830 tons, up 39 per cent (32,891 tons) year on year.

Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways’ chief strategy and planning officer, said:  “These impressive figures have been driven largely by stronger performance into and out of some of our larger markets including China and India, as well as expanding markets such as the Netherlands and the US.”

“The record performance is also a reflection of strong demand in the final quarter, improved capacity utilisation on our freighter fleet, more cargo in the bellyhold of our passenger aircraft, and enhancements at our Abu Dhabi hub through subsidiary Etihad Airport Services – Cargo.

“Etihad Cargo’s Abu Dhabi hub had its best ever performance in November, where over the top five days it processed an average of 3,000 tons per day – a new record.

“Looking ahead, we expect to maintain strong freight performance over the final month of 2013,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service