Etihad Cargo, the fast-growing freight business of UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways, will be launching its inaugural weekly freighter service between Abu Dhabi and the Ugandan city of Entebbe starting from Monday (May 26).

Situated on the shores of Lake Victoria and close to the capital Kampala, Entebbe is a major commercial centre in central Uganda.

The direct cargo service will operate every Monday using an Airbus A330-200F freighter, with a capacity of 64 metric tonnes, said a statement from Etihad Cargo.

Etihad Cargo expects the service to carry large quantities of electronics and textiles to Entebbe, with primarily perishable goods destined for the Gulf region and Europe loaded for the return flight, it added.

Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways’ chief strategy and planning officer, said: "Uganda is an important market for Etihad Cargo, and the new Abu Dhabi-Entebbe freighter service will allow us to capitalise on the strong import and export demand to and from East Africa."

“In addition, whilst we expect to see strong onward trade flows over our Abu Dhabi cargo hub to destinations across the Middle East, subcontinent and Europe, ultimately this service will further strengthen the trade ties between the UAE and Uganda,” he stated.

Etihad Cargo offers services to 103 destinations internationally, operating a fleet of nine freighters, consisting of three Airbus A330-200F, three Boeing B777F, and three Boeing 747F.  In June 2014, the cargo operator will take delivery of one new freighter – an Airbus A330-200F.-TradeArabia News Service