Etihad Airways - one of the fastest growing cargo airlines on the planet - has boosted its operations by taking over three airport services companies in Abu Dhabi.

The carrier revealed that Abu Dhabi Airport Services, Abu Dhabi In-Flight Catering and Abu Dhabi Cargo Company have all been purchased and will be integrated into the firm.

Etihad president and chief executive James Hogan insisted the acquisition was "critical" to the future expansion of the airline and the deal is a win-win for the airline, the three subsidiaries and all existing members of staff.

"It is in line with our strategy of working closely with our partners and service providers to achieve greater organisational and commercial alignment," he remarked.

The company hopes the agreement will help to boost the efficiency of its services and also cut unnecessary costs.

More and more businesses are transporting cargo to the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates is a particularly important market.

Earlier this month, Etihad Cargo announced it would update its 2013 summer schedule in order to cater for rising demand.