Atlas Air, Inc., part of Atlas Air Worldwide, has entered into a new long-term partnership with Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways, to bolster freight capacity and expand international connectivity.
Through this agreement, Atlas Air will operate a dedicated Boeing 777 freighter exclusively for Etihad Cargo. Starting in August, the aircraft will service key trade routes linking Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Madrid, reinforcing Etihad’s presence in high-demand markets.
The partnership aligns with rapidly growing global cargo demand, especially within e-commerce, automotive, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and general freight sectors across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The 777F delivers unmatched capacity, fuel efficiency, and operational performance, supporting Etihad Cargo’s long-term growth strategy. The agreement also builds upon a relationship stretching back to 2012, when Atlas Air began operating multi-year flight services for Etihad.
Michael Steen, CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide, commented:
“We are pleased to again partner with Etihad Cargo, one of the industry’s most respected carriers. This partnership reflects our strong value proposition and the trust we’ve built with customers over time. We are pleased to tailor this long-term dedicated capacity solution to help Etihad capture growth opportunities. With our global scale and flexible, agile network, Atlas Air is enabling Etihad to expand their operations and serve their customers with confidence. With our industry-leading fleet of widebody freighters and deep operating expertise, Atlas Air is proud to be a trusted partner of choice, and we look forward to supporting Etihad’s continued success.”
Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Airways, added:
“Etihad Cargo’s expanded collaboration with Atlas Air represents a strategic step in scaling capacity and extending our global reach. With Etihad Airways’ passenger fleet continuing to grow, it is essential that our freighter fleet expands in parallel to sustain this momentum and deliver end-to-end network connectivity. By aligning growth across both passenger and freighter operations, Etihad Cargo reinforces its ability to meet evolving customer demand, strengthen high-volume trade lanes and introduce greater flexibility across key markets. This additional capacity further enhances the reliability and agility of our services, ensuring the delivery of seamless and efficient cargo solutions worldwide.”
The Boeing 777 freighter remains the largest twin-engine cargo aircraft globally, capable of carrying over 100 tonnes per flight. Its operational efficiency and range complement Etihad Cargo’s commitment to sustainable, reliable, and high-quality logistics solutions worldwide.
