From 5 April, the cargo division of Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways will gain access to Cargoitalia’s extensive freight network in the US, Asia, and Central America, by linking to the Italian group’s base at Milan’s Malpensa airport.

Cargoitalia will deploy its high-capacity McDonnell Douglas DC10F on the route between Milan and Abu Dhabi. There are two freighter flights a week between the two cities, although this may be subject to a review and increase.

In return, the Italian airline will gain access to Etihad’s network in the Middle East and Africa.