Etihad Cargo, will provide critical airfreight services between Abu Dhabi and Australia.

In an agreement with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (AusTrade), Etihad Cargo will utilise bellyhold capacity of its fleet of passenger aircraft to deliver essential supplies, including pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

The International Freight Assistance Mechanism will also facilitate bi-directional trade, ensuring fresh imports to the UAE from Australia, including meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables.

“Around 90 percent of our, airfreight usually goes out in the bellies of passenger aircraft. With very few international passenger flights leaving Australia at present, our exporters are facing major hurdles,” said Australian federal trade minister, Simon Birmingham.

Abdulla Mohamed Shadid, managing director cargo and logistics at Etihad Aviation Group, said: “In this time of crisis, the facilitation of international trade and delivery of essential supplies is more important than ever.”

www.etihadcargo.com