Etihad launches globe-trotting freighter service

   Etihad Cargo and Atlas Air Worldwide have launched a round-the-world freighter service, adding new services to Viracopos, Brazil; Quito, Ecuador; and Miami to its existing Boeing 747-8 routing.
   The globe-spanning service begins in Abu Dhabi, continuing on a Hong Kong-Chicago-Miami-Viracopos-Quito-Amsterdam routing before returning to the Middle East.
   “This goes beyond simply joining the dots, it’s about working with partners, operating routes which benefit our customers across the globe, entering new markets, establishing new trade lanes, being cost effective and delivering value,” Etihad’s Kevin Knight said in a statement.
   Etihad signed an aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance agreement with Atlas earlier this month covering the 747-8. The airline currently only has one of those freighters in its fleet, but it will be taking delivery of two Airbus A330-200 freighters this year and next. 
   The carrier is also adding Sao Paulo, Brazil, to its routings in June, offering belly capacity from Abu Dhabi on an A340-500 plane. – Jon Ross