Published On | October 27, 2011
MAXIMUS MUSCLE LIFTS ETIHAD HEAVY LOAD
Maximus muscle lifts Etihad heavy load
Etihad Crystal Cargo - the air freight wing of Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways – last week successfully operated the first of six heavy-lift AN-124 flights from the UAE into Afghanistan.
The flights were provided by Maximus Air Cargo as an extension of an existing commercial agreement in place since since 2010 between vehicle rental company Hertz and Etihad Airways.
The heavy-lift cargo flights are being used to transport large-scale construction machinery including four-wheel drive vehicles, cranes and rough terrain heavy duty plant equipment to two bases in Afghanistan, where Hertz is expanding its heavy duty machinery rental business.
Roy Kinnear, senior vice president cargo at Etihad, said: "Etihad has worked closely with Hertz over the last two years, and these specialised super-sized flights, facilitated by Etihad Airways with our partners Maximus Air Cargo, are a further development of that good relationship, and proves Crystal Cargo's ability to source high-calibre robust logistical solutions for our partners and customers."
He noted that the 120-tonne payload AN-124s "are the ideal aircraft for moving these super-sized pieces of equipment" adding that as the partnership develops, Etihad Crystal Cargo's MD-11 and A300 freighters will also be utilised to service the contract.
Commenting, Gina Costa, Hertz commercial director Middle East and Africa, called the contract "a considerable logistical exercise".