HK Airlines, Etihad receive new A330-200 freighter

Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad have received the new A330-200 freighter and are ready to begin operations.

Hong Kong Airlines received the first of three aircraft on long-term lease from global aircraft lessor Aircastle Limited.

The three A330-200F freighters will be operated on services linking Hong Kong with destinations across Asia, as well as to the Middle East and Europe.

“The A330-200F will enable Hong Kong Airlines to enter the dedicated cargo market with the most efficient aircraft available today in its class," said Yang Jian Hong, president, Hong Kong Airlines.

The A330-200F is the latest addition to the highly successful A330 family. Offering the lowest operating costs in its size category, it is the only modern mid-size, long-haul, all-cargo aircraft capable of carrying 65 tonnes over 7,400km or 70 tonnes over 5,900km.

Etihad Crystal Cargo’s first Airbus A330-200 freighter will operate from Abu Dhabi to Tripoli in Libya.

The Airbus A330-200 freighter aircraft will allow Etihad to increase frequencies and build its presence in key markets worldwide, as well as enhance its worldwide charter services. The aircraft will operate to various Etihad Crystal Cargo destinations including Hann, Beijing, Tripoli, Milan and N’Djamena.

Etihad is the launch customer of the A330-200 freighter aircraft, and participated in a handover ceremony with Airbus at the Farnborough International Air Show in July.

Etihad is set to take delivery of a second A330-200 freighter in December, 2010.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)