Etihad Cargo, a division of Etihad Airways, has posted monthly uplift figures for January of 32,613 tonnes, a 27 percent increase on January 2012 (25,600 tonnes).

In its annual results announced two weeks ago, Etihad Cargo reported annual tonnage growth of 19 percent for 2012 with a capacity increase of 14 percent in Available Tonnage Kilometres.

Etihad Airways’ chief strategy and planning officer, Kevin Knight, said:  “2012 was a record-breaking year for Etihad Cargo and based on projections, demand will be greater again in 2013.

“The impressive tonnage figures for January were driven largely by increased demand into and out of China and India.

“Looking ahead, our forecasts point to continued strong demand in key exporting and importing markets such as China, India, Southeast Asia and Europe, and we remain confident that we have the right product and fleet strategy to match customers’ expectations.”

Etihad Cargo will take delivery of three additional freighters in 2013 and 2014, comprising one Boeing B777F and two Airbus A330-200F.

The airline currently operates two Boeing B777F, one Boeing 747-400F, two Airbus A330-200F and one Airbus A300-600F freighter aircraft.  In total, Etihad Cargo serves 86 destinations across the globe.