Etihad Airways has launched passenger services to Barcelona, which will also provide cargo customers with greater access to the airline’s global network.

The Barcelona – Abu Dhabi flights started on 28 November, and combined with daily Madrid services, offers more than 23,000 tonnes of cargo capacity in the Spanish market.

In addition, trucking services from gateways across Europe further compliment the network, offering customers greater reach and faster delivery times.

Etihad Airways managing director cargo and logistics, Abdulla Mohamed Shadid says 2018 was a “very successful year” with fleet and network optimisation, product development and digital transformation.

He says: “More recently, following our decision to deploy additional capacity to key markets such as China, India and Vietnam, as well as an aircraft dedicated for charters to meet fourth quarter demand, this Barcelona service marks a timely addition to the network. We are encouraged by the demand demonstrated by the market for this service and delighted to see the inaugural flight carrying 17.6 tonnes of cargo.”

Etihad Cargo started operating in Spain as an off-line carrier, sending shipments to Paris and Amsterdam via truck before launching passenger flights to Madrid on 30 March 2015.

The Barcelona service will operate five times a week until 31 March 2019, when it will become a daily service.