DALLAS – Etihad Cargo (EY), the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways (EY), announced the expansion of its freighter network with a new twice-weekly service to Madrid, Spain (MAD). Launching July 15, 2024, a Boeing 777 freighter aircraft will operate this new route and add over 200 tonnes of cargo capacity to EY’s European cargo capacity offerings.

This new route complements EY's existing network of freighter flights to Europe, which includes six weekly flights to Amsterdam (AMS) and three weekly flights to Frankfurt (FRA). Following the addition of MAD, the total number of EY’s weekly freighter flights to Europe increases to 11 flights.

Expansion for E-commerce, Fashion

This expansion highlights the strategic importance of Madrid as a key European fashion hub and aims to support the growing demand for e-commerce flows between Asia and Europe. 

Etihad Cargo's Abu Dhabi (AUH) hub continues to serve as a crucial link, offering efficient and reliable cargo services tailored to the fashion industry's needs and other sectors reliant on timely e-commerce deliveries.

The launch of this new twice-weekly freighter service between AUH and MAD will increase the total number of flights to Spain to 25 per week. The Gulf carrier also offers belly capacity on 10 passenger flights to MAD, 10 to Barcelona (BCN), and three seasonal flights to Malaga (AGP). 

Additionally, Etihad Cargo is expanding its summer schedule with increased service to several other European destinations, including Athens (ATH), Nice (NCE), Antalya (AYT), Istanbul (IST), and Dublin (DUB).

Flight Schedule 

• Route: Madrid (MAD) - Abu Dhabi (AUH)
• Frequency: Twice weekly (Monday and Wednesday)
• Aircraft: Boeing 777 Freighter (B777F)

Westbound Flights

• Flight Number: EY9711
• Departure: Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 05:05 (Monday) / 17:10 (Wednesday)
• Arrival: Madrid (MAD) at 12:45 (Monday) / 00:50 (Wednesday)

Eastbound Flights

• Flight Number: EY9712
• Departure: Madrid (MAD) at 15:50 (Monday) / 03:45 (Thursday)
• Arrival: Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 22:40 (Monday) / 10:35 (Thursday)

Etihad Cargo aims to strengthen its position as a leader in air cargo services, particularly for e-commerce and fashion industry needs.