The Boeing 777 freighter, boasting a payload capacity in excess of 100 tonnes and renowned for its fuel efficiency and range, meets both capacity and sustainability targets for Etihad Cargo’s ambitions. This extends a partnership originally formed in 2012, underscoring a longstanding bond built on mutual trust and operational expertise.
Michael Steen, Chief Executive of Atlas Air Worldwide, described the arrangement as a tailored capacity solution that enables Etihad to “capture growth opportunities.” He emphasised Atlas Air’s global scale and agile network as critical enablers of Etihad’s expansion.
Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways, noted that as their passenger fleet continues to grow, freighter expansion is equally essential to maintain network continuity. He affirmed that the dedicated freighter will reinforce high-volume trade lanes with enhanced reliability and flexibility.
Alongside supporting surging demand in key sectors—e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables and automotive—this freighter addition aligns with shared sustainability goals. Its lower fuel consumption and emissions profile strengthens Etihad Cargo’s commitment to environmentally responsible logistics.
FlightGlobal reports that this is one of two newly delivered Atlas Air 777Fs; the other will operate for logistics giant DSV, linking Huntsville, Alabama and Luxembourg. Atlas Air’s growing 777F inventory—several jets received from Boeing since August 2024—signals wider fleet expansion and diversification strategies.
Etihad Cargo already offers a diverse portfolio of specialised product services, including PharmaLife, FreshForward and FlightValet, and holds all four IATA CEIV certifications for pharma, perishables, live animals and lithium batteries. The new freighter will bolster its ability to serve these high-value segments with dependable capacity.
Atlas Air Worldwide, parent to Atlas Air, Titan Aviation and Polar Air Cargo, operates the largest fleet of 747 freighters globally and provides a suite of Boeing 747, 777 and 767 aircraft for cargo and passenger operations. Its offer to Etihad underscores a strategy of flexible, customised aviation logistics.
While the passenger fleet expansion enables broader network reach, the integration of this dedicated freighter ensures that Etihad Cargo can synchronise capacity growth across both passenger and freighter operations. The move also reflects wider industry dynamics, where air cargo demand continues to surge on buoyant trade flows and sector diversification.
Atlas Air’s alliance with Etihad spans over a decade, but the delivery of a newly acquired, state-of-the-art 777F marks a notable evolution in that relationship. The shared investment in modern, sustainable freighter assets creates a platform for long-term growth, operational resilience and market responsiveness.
With e-commerce volumes, cold-chain requirements and time-critical shipments on the rise, carriers are increasingly sourcing flexible, scalable capacity outside their own fleets. Partnerships like this illustrate how cargo airlines can leverage third-party freighter services to navigate market volatility while maintaining service quality.
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