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Etihad Cargo, the dedicated cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation in the global air freight industry. Established in 2004, Etihad Cargo has rapidly expanded its operations, offering a diverse range of specialized logistics solutions that cater to the evolving needs of its clientele. The carrier's strategic hub in Abu Dhabi positions it advantageously at the crossroads of international trade routes, facilitating seamless connections between Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and Africa.
In 2024, Etihad Cargo achieved remarkable milestones, contributing significantly to Etihad Airways' record profit of $476 million. The cargo division reported revenues of $1.1 billion, marking a 24% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by a 12% rise in cargo volumes and enhanced operational efficiencies. The introduction of over 20 new destinations, including key markets such as Boston, Jaipur, Bali, and Nairobi, expanded the carrier's global footprint and offered customers increased connectivity options.
Etihad Cargo's dedication to innovation is evident through its adoption of cutting-edge technologies. The implementation of AI-powered solutions has optimized cargo capacity and improved operational efficiency. These technologies have transformed airfreight operations, ensuring that Etihad Cargo remains at the forefront of industry advancements.
The carrier's specialized products have also seen substantial growth. The PharmaLife product, certified by IATA's CEIV Pharma, experienced a 12% increase in tonnage, reflecting Etihad Cargo's capability in handling sensitive pharmaceutical shipments. Additionally, the SecureTech product, designed for the safe transport of high-value electronics, witnessed a 95% surge in revenue, underscoring the carrier's proficiency in managing specialized cargo requirements.
Etihad Cargo's unwavering commitment to operational excellence and customer-centric solutions has been recognized with prestigious accolades. At the Global Brand Frontier Awards 2024, the carrier was honored with the titles of "Excellence in Air Cargo Services - Middle East, 2024" and "Best Specialized Logistics Solutions Provider - MEA, 2024." These awards highlight Etihad Cargo's leadership and innovative approach in the air cargo sector.
Under the leadership of Chief Cargo Officer, Stanislas Brun, Etihad Cargo continues to set industry benchmarks through strategic expansion, technological innovation, and a steadfast focus on customer satisfaction. Boston Brand Research & Media is privileged to present an exclusive interview with Stanislas, delving into the strategies and insights that have propelled Etihad Cargo to its esteemed position in the global logistics landscape.
Etihad Cargo’s 24% revenue growth in 2024 is the result of a clear strategy focused on network optimization, service reliability, and customer needs. We have restructured our freighter network to align with the growth of our passenger network, ensuring a balanced East-to-West capacity via our Abu Dhabi hub.
Customer-centricity has remained a strong priority—we identified what our customers needed and implemented solutions that delivered real value. Our Delivered-As-Promised rate of 88.2% and On-Time Performance rates of 81.5% for arrivals and 82.7% for departures demonstrate our focus on service quality and operational efficiency. In an unpredictable market, reliability matters. We delivered what we sold, providing a consistent and dependable service.
Etihad Cargo’s network expansion is primarily aligned with the growth of Etihad’s passenger network. New routes are assessed based on passenger demand, which in turn increases cargo capacity on those flights. This approach ensures we maximize available belly-hold space while also meeting the needs of our cargo customers.
In addition to leveraging passenger routes, we have strategically expanded our freighter network to key markets in Europe and Asia, including new freighter stations in Paris and Zhengzhou. These additions provide customers with greater capacity and connectivity, supporting global trade flows. Our focus remains on identifying routes where cargo demand justifies additional capacity and where we can offer reliable, high-quality service.
We predict the need for higher security at origin destinations and during transit, and that is what we are offering our customers. Ensuring the safe and efficient handling of specialized cargo like pharmaceuticals and high-value electronics requires a proactive approach to security and operational excellence.
For PharmaLife shipments, we have strengthened our capabilities with the addition of dedicated cool dollies at our Abu Dhabi hub. This has allowed us to complete the full cool chain, eliminating temperature deviations and ensuring the integrity of pharmaceutical cargo throughout transit. Maintaining strict temperature control is critical, and these enhancements have directly contributed to the product’s growth. SecureTech provides tailored solutions for high-value technology shipments, including lithium battery-powered devices. As the demand for secure transport increases, we are focused on offering enhanced security measures at origin, during transit, and at destination to mitigate risks and provide customers with peace of mind.
Looking ahead, we are developing additional new products to further expand our specialized cargo offering. We will be sharing more details on these developments in the near future.
Safety and quality are core values for Etihad and Etihad Cargo, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards across our operations. Industry recognition, such as being named Global Carrier of the Year and Carrier of the Year for the Middle East at the Payload Asia Awards, along with awards for innovation, products, and partnerships, reinforces that our approach is delivering real results.
These accolades are more than a reflection of past success; they set the benchmark for our team to continue pushing for excellence. Awards validate our efforts, but they also drive us to keep improving, whether through operational efficiencies, customer service enhancements, or new innovations. 2024 was a strong year for Etihad Cargo in terms of industry recognition, and we remain focused on continuous improvement to ensure we maintain these high standards in the years ahead.
Customer experience is a key priority for Etihad Cargo, and staying close to our customers is critical to ensuring we meet their needs. In 2024, we took significant steps to enhance our approach by appointing a new Senior Manager for Global Accounts and establishing a dedicated Customer Experience department. This ensures that every part of our organization remains focused on improving the customer journey. Customer input directly influences our decision-making, helping us refine our operations and develop solutions that provide real value. This ongoing engagement ensures we continue to deliver the high standards of service our customers expect from Etihad Cargo.
The global trade environment remains highly dynamic, and like the rest of the industry, Etihad Cargo has faced challenges that require agility and strategic planning. One of the key pressures has been the delay in new aircraft deliveries, which has constrained our ability to expand capacity as planned.
Despite this, we have maintained a strong position with our classic customers, ensuring a diverse portfolio even as e-commerce continues to grow.
Collaboration is essential in the logistics industry, and the milestones we achieved in 2024 were partly due to our strong partnerships. Interline agreements and contracts with airlines operating on our behalf have enabled us to expand our reach and enhance service delivery. Looking ahead to 2025, we are deepening our partnerships to provide seamless global connectivity. A prime example is our joint venture with SF Airlines, which will improve customer access to key trade lanes and strengthen our position in China and other critical markets.
Digital transformation is playing a critical role in the future of air cargo logistics, and at Etihad Cargo, we are prioritizing investments in digitalization and AI to enhance efficiency, connectivity, and transparency.
We are continuously refining our API connections and booking portal to ensure smoother, more seamless integrations with freight forwarders. By staying ahead of digital advancements and investing in smart solutions, we are strengthening our position as a leading cargo carrier and ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
E-commerce now accounts for 30% of global air cargo, and Etihad Cargo is actively supporting this sector by carrying a share of this growing demand. Just-in-time logistics requires precision and reliability, and we believe that with strong steering and operational control, we can deliver high performance in this area.
We are also working closely with Abu Dhabi Airports to further develop Zayed International Airport’s connectivity with free zones. This will expand our capabilities to offer sea-air solutions in the future, increasing efficiency and flexibility for our customers.
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