Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Crystal Cargo, the cargo division of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has taken delivery of its first Boeing freighter.

The 777 freighter, the world's longest-range, twin-engine freighter and featuring the lowest trip cost of any large freighter, joins Etihad Airways’ existing Boeing 777 fleet, which includes seven 777-300ERs.

“We are 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,” said Kevin Knight, Etihad chief planning and strategy officer, who also leads the Crystal Cargo division.

“With its proven track record, long-range capabilities and excellent operating efficiencies, the 777 freighter will allow us to economically deliver cargo further than ever before. Our decision to invest in the 777 freighter helps ensure that we are well positioned to serve our customers’ long-term needs,” he added.

The 777 freighter is based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane and can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 225,200 pounds (102 metric tons), a statement said.

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, it added.

Marty Bentrott, senior vice president for sales, Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “The 777 Freighter has consistently delivered the highest levels of reliability and efficiency since it entered service in 2009, making it the long-range freighter of choice for a number of airlines and cargo operators around the world.”

“We are confident that the 777 Freighter’s high capacity and range, combined with the lowest trip cost of any large freighter, will add a tremendous amount of value to Etihad’s air cargo operations,” Bentrott added. – TradeArabia News Service