The inaugural flight for Etihad Crystal Cargo’s new A330-200 freighter aircraft took place last weekend and was a special charter carrying medical and humanitarian supplies to Pakistan.

The new A330-200F was deployed to Karachi and utilised the aircraft’s capacity to 59 tonnes. The aid was required following heavy monsoon rains which hit Pakistan in late July causing severe flooding to major areas of the country.

Etihad worked with UK-based Chapman Freeborn Airchartering specialists on the project. The charter flight began in Billund, Denmark, and flew first to Abu Dhabi and then onto Karachi.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “The UAE and Pakistan have a very close bond and Etihad, the UAE’s national airline, is proud to play a part as Pakistan continues to recover from the devastating flooding.”

Shahe Ouzounian, Chapman Freeborn’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are very pleased to be the first charter company and customer to utilise Etihad’s A330-200F.

“Etihad and Chapman-Freeborn worked together with the client to ensure the aid supplies were delivered successfully to Pakistan, on time and within budget.”

Etihad Crystal Cargo operated relief flights to Haiti following the earthquake that hit the country in January 2010.