Etihad Cargo, the logistics division of Etihad Airways, is marking 20 years of operations in India, a testament to its dedication to the Indian market since its inaugural flight to Mumbai on September 26, 2004.
Expanding reach and capacity
Over the years, Etihad Cargo has broadened its reach in India, now providing belly hold capacity through nonstop services to 12 major cities from Abu Dhabi, with plans for further expansion. The carrier, as per a statement, manages over 46,000 tons of cargo annually from India, connecting the nation to more than 100 global destinations via its Abu Dhabi hub, supported by 588 widebody and narrowbody flights each month. To better serve specific sectors, Etihad Cargo has enhanced its product offerings, introducing new features and products.
Diverse range of commodities
Key commodities transported include electronics such as mobile phones and semiconductors, garments, pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce items, automobile components, and courier shipments, showcasing the diversity of India’s manufacturing and export industries. The carrier’s IATA CEIV Pharma-certified PharmaLife product ensures precise temperature control for the safe transport of high-value pharmaceuticals, a rapidly growing market in India.
Read more: Etihad Airways marks 20 years of linking India to Abu Dhabi and beyond
Strengthening pharma logistics
Etihad Cargo is also exploring additional certified pharma trade lanes with key airline partners and has implemented rigorous cargo screening for shipments bound for the U.S. from major Indian hubs, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad. The airline’s Pharma roadshows in India, launched in 2023, have successfully doubled PharmaLife volumes by enhancing connectivity and frequency. Furthermore, the introduction of Etihad Cargo’s IATA CEIV Li-batt-certified SecureTech product in 2024 has bolstered electronics shipments.
Ongoing investment
Stanislas Brun, vice president of Cargo, commented on Etihad Cargo’s celebration of two decades of successful operations in India, highlighting the carrier’s strong commitment to its customers. He noted that the ongoing investment in the network, product offerings, infrastructure, and digitalization efforts positions Etihad Cargo to deliver efficient and reliable air cargo solutions that cater to the changing needs of customers both in India and beyond.
Advancements in tech and operations
To improve its operations, the airline has invested in advanced technology, utilizing customer relationship and cargo management systems like Salesforce and Sales Cockpit, along with track and trace capabilities and automated warehouse management. The continuous enhancement of Etihad Cargo’s online booking portal, which now includes options for pets and dangerous goods as well as personalized dashboards, has streamlined the booking process. Currently, 93 percent of bookings in India are made directly through the Etihad Cargo booking portal.
Looking ahead, Etihad Cargo remains committed to innovation and expansion, continuously evaluating its network and increasing capacity to support its customers in this vital market. With a focus on delivering efficient and reliable cargo solutions, Etihad Cargo is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of the Indian market and solidifying its position as the preferred air cargo partner.
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