In a statement on Monday, Etihad Cargo said total revenues for the month were up four per cent on June and up eight per cent on the corresponding period the previous year.

Last month Etihad Cargo reported strong first-half results for 2012, with tonnage up 21 per cent to 175,000 tonnes.

Etihad Airways chief planning and strategy officer, Kevin Knight, said: “We’ve seen a good recovery in business from Europe after the second quarter. Also, the capability of our fleet with the addition of the 747-400 freighter has enhanced our overall schedule flexibility, and helped support significant project work in what was also a record month for our Charter team.

“Business across and through the Middle East has remained strong into the Holy Month of Ramadan.

“New routes including our recently launched 6-times a week passenger service to Lagos and our new freighter service to Dammam have broadened the reach for our customers.

“Looking ahead, we expect to maintain strong freight performance over the third and fourth quarters of 2012.”

Etihad Cargo currently operates a fleet of six freighters, consisting of one Airbus A300-600F, two Airbus A330-200F, one McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, one Boeing B777F and one Boeing B747-400F.

Omani nationals welcomed

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi-based airline said 11 Omani graduate managers have commenced training at its headquarters as part of the airline’s extensive recruitment drive in Oman.

The 21-month graduate management development programme is designed to train and develop managers who will play a key part in the growth of Etihad Airways. Successful graduates will attain an internationally recognised and accredited post graduate diploma.

“Over the next 21 months this group of talented young Omanis will learn vital information about Etihad Airways and the airline industry. We are confident that they will bring a high level of talent and expertise to the team,” Ray Gammell, Etihad Airways’ chief people and performance officer, said.

Issa Al Rawahi, one of the new graduate managers, said: “The graduate management development programme has been a great experience so far. The material was presented in an interactive and enjoyable style. I am sure it will help me become more competent in the workplace.”

business@khaleejtimes.com