Etihad Airways and Airbus participated in a handover ceremony at Farnborough International Air Show, celebrating the first A330-200 freighter aircraft to be produced.

Etihad is the launch customer of the A330-200 freighter aircraft, which will enter service for Etihad’s cargo business, Etihad Crystal Cargo, in September.

Etihad’s A330-200 freighter aircraft – which can carry up to 64 tonnes of cargo and can fly up to 7,400 km non-stop – will allow the airline’s cargo business to increase frequencies and build its presence in the high-growth European and Asian freight markets, particularly China.

The handover ceremony was addressed by Etihad CEO James Hogan and Airbus president and CEO Tom Enders.

Hogan said he was delighted to welcome the A330-200 freighter aircraft to the Etihad Crystal Cargo fleet.

“Etihad Crystal Cargo has been performing very well for Etihad. Over the last quarter there was an 18 per cent increase in cargo tonnage carried, reflecting the strengthening recovery in our industry. We are focused on taking the right steps to achieve strong expansion and growth,” he said.

“The new aircraft will become a key part of our freighter fleet and make a major contribution to building the strength and network of our cargo business. The additional capacity will help us significantly expand our footprint in Asia and Europe, including China, as well as enhancing our worldwide charter services.”

Etihad will take delivery of its second A330-200 freighter aircraft in September.

Etihad Crystal Cargo currently operates a fleet of four freighter aircraft which include two Airbus A300-600s and two MD11s.

 Meanwhile, Etihad reported that its cargo revenue grew 59 per cent in the first half of 2010 as increased traffic pushed up passenger figures 11 per cent.

The airline carried 3.3 million passengers in the period, recording a 72.5 per cent seat factor, while cargo tonnage increased 22 per cent from a year earlier, it said in a statement.