Etihad Cargo, the fast growing cargo division of Etihad Airways, will inaugurate a new direct weekly freighter operation from Abu Dhabi to the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, effective January 17.

The new cargo service will operate every Thursday using an Airbus A330-200F freighter, with a capacity of 68 metric tonnes.

Guangzhou is the third largest city in China, the capital of the Guangdong province and is a major centre for the manufacturing of electronic goods.

Etihad Cargo already operates nine weekly freighter services between Abu Dhabi and the Chinese cities of Shanghai and Beijing. In addition, the UAE flag carrier offers cargo services on its 18 weekly scheduled passenger services to Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai.

Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said: "China is a strategically important market for Etihad Cargo, and the new Guangzhou-Abu Dhabi freighter service will allow us to capitalise on the strong export demand coming out of southern China.

"In addition, whilst we expect to see strong onward trade flows over our Abu Dhabi cargo hub to destinations across the Middle East and Africa, ultimately this service will further strengthen the already strong trade ties between the UAE and China."

Etihad Cargo flies to a total of 87 destinations internationally, operating 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. In 2013, the cargo operator will take delivery of three new freighters - an Airbus A330-200F and two Boeing B777F.