ABU DHABI: Etihad Cargo, the cargo division of Etihad Airways, is celebrating 20 years of operations in India, marking its first flight to Mumbai on 26 September 2004. Since then, the airline has steadily expanded its services, now providing belly-hold cargo capacity on nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and 12 major Indian cities, with plans for further growth.
Handling over 46,000 tonnes of cargo annually from India, Etihad Cargo connects the country to over 100 global destinations through its Abu Dhabi hub, operating 588 widebody and narrowbody flights each month. The carrier has developed specialised services to meet the needs of various sectors, offering tailored solutions for electronics, garments, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and e-commerce shipments.
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One standout service is Etihad Cargo’s IATA CEIV Pharma-certified PharmaLife product, which ensures precise temperature control for the safe transportation of pharmaceuticals, a fast-growing market in India. The airline is also expanding certified pharma trade lanes with key partners and has implemented rigorous cargo screening for US-bound shipments from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
In 2023, Etihad Cargo’s pharma roadshows doubled the volume of its PharmaLife product by enhancing connectivity and flight frequencies. The introduction of its IATA CEIV Li-batt-certified SecureTech product in 2024 has further boosted electronics shipments.
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According to Stanislas Brun, Vice President of Cargo, Etihad Cargo’s success in India is a testament to its commitment to innovation, network expansion, and customer service. The airline has invested in advanced technologies like Salesforce for customer management, track-and-trace systems, and an enhanced online booking portal that handles 93% of India’s bookings.
Looking forward, Etihad Cargo aims to continue supporting the Indian market by expanding capacity and delivering efficient, reliable air cargo solutions.
