Etihad Cargo has taken delivery of its 10th freighter aircraft, an Airbus A330 Freighter, its fifth Airbus, joining its five Boeing 777 Freighters.

The airline says the delivery follows 12 months of sustained growth including 10 new freighter routes and carrying 602,026 tonnes of cargo in 2016, a moderate increase on 2015.

Speaking at the International Air Transport Association World Cargo Symposium at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Etihad Aviation Group president and chief executive officer, James Hogan told delegates: “Etihad Cargo is a US $1 billion business, which makes it one of the world’s most successful air cargo operations.”

He acknowledged factors such as overcapacity and China’s transition to a service industry made the outlook uncertain but feels Etihad Cargo is well positioned to maximise opportunities in 2017 thanks to investments in partnerships.

He says: “We are working with Avianca to extend our reach in the important market of South America; with AirBridge Cargo in the US, Middle East and Moscow for the oil and gas industry; while our Preferred Handling Partner programme builds strong partnerships and ensures consistent quality and service across the Etihad Cargo network.”