Etihad Cargo Celebrates Two Decades Of Successful Operations In India With Enhanced Services

Etihad Cargo, the logistics division of Etihad Airways, marks 20 years in India. This milestone highlights its dedication to the Indian market since its inaugural flight to Mumbai on 26 September 2004. Over time, Etihad Cargo has broadened its reach in India, now offering belly hold capacity through nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and 12 key Indian cities, with plans for further expansion.

Etihad Cargo manages over 46,000 tonnes of cargo annually from India. It connects the country to more than 100 global destinations via its Abu Dhabi hub through 588 widebody and narrowbody rotations each month. To cater to specific sectors, Etihad Cargo has enhanced its product offerings by adding new features and launching innovative products.

The airline's IATA CEIV Pharma-certified PharmaLife product ensures precise temperature control for transporting high-value pharmaceuticals. This is a growing market in India. Etihad Cargo is exploring additional certified pharma trade lanes with key airline partners. It has also implemented strict cargo screening for US-bound shipments from major Indian hubs like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad.

Key commodities handled by Etihad Cargo include electronics such as mobile phones and semiconductors, garments, pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce items, automobile components, and courier shipments. These reflect India's diverse manufacturing and export sectors' strength. In 2023, Etihad Cargo's pharma roadshows in India helped double PharmaLife volumes by improving connectivity and frequencies.

The introduction of the IATA CEIV Li-batt-certified SecureTech product in 2024 has supported the growth of electronics shipments. "As Etihad Cargo celebrates two decades of successful operations in India, the carrier's commitment to its customers remains strong," said Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo.

Technological Advancements and Customer Focus

Etihad Cargo has invested in advanced technology to enhance operations. This includes customer relationship management systems like Salesforce and Sales Cockpit. The airline also uses track-and-trace capabilities and automated warehouse management systems. The ongoing enhancement of Etihad Cargo's online booking portal has improved booking efficiency.

Currently, 93 per cent of bookings made in India are done directly through this portal. It now includes options for pets and dangerous goods as well as personalised dashboards. These improvements ensure efficient air cargo solutions that meet customers' evolving needs in India and beyond.

Looking ahead, Etihad Cargo aims to innovate and expand operations further while evaluating its network to add capacity where needed. By focusing on delivering efficient cargo solutions, it remains dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of the Indian market and solidifying its position as a preferred air cargo partner there.

With inputs from WAM