Specialised product moves fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat and flowers across the globe seamlessly.
Etihad Cargo today adds to its growing list of specialised products with the launch of FreshForward, affirming its support for a cold chain industry that is also responsible for importing perishable goods to the UAE.
The new product ensures items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat and flowers move seamlessly across Etihad Cargo’s global network until they reach their final destination. More specifically at the Abu Dhabi hub, it prioritises the transfer of perishable cargo from the aircraft into a dedicated centre, and subsequently onto reefer trucks to be delivered directly to the customer’s doorstep anywhere in the UAE.
This marks a milestone in the expansion of Etihad’s value chain offering to include last-mile delivery in its home market for select products, itself a key pillar of Ethad’s refreshed strategy to expand services beyond its conventional airport-to-airport model.
Abdulla Mohamed Shadid, Etihad Airways Managing Director Cargo and Logistics, said: “Etihad Cargo plays a vital role in stimulating the UAE’s imports and exports via our Abu Dhabi hub, and today we are delighted to introduce yet another product that will act as a further catalyst to this. Safe, efficient and timely transport is critical for the UAE’s major importers of fresh produce including supermarket chains, F&B wholesalers, restaurants and florists.”
Etihad Cargo transported over 90,000 tons of perishables over the last 12 months. Fruits and vegetables made up more than 37% of the total, whilst meat (15,000 tons), flowers (19,000 tons) and fish (8,000 tons) were the other major categories carried by Etihad.
Etihad’s fleet of 109 narrow-body, wide-body and freighter aircraft fly to over 90 destinations globally, and are readily configured for perishable cargo compatibility, applying the highest levels of quality controls.
The Etihad Cargo network connects the UAE with key export markets globally, and also provides seamless transfer in Abu Dhabi for a global cold chain industry that boasts South American flowers, Indian mangoes and Australian lamb as some of its key products.
Customers will continue to benefit from Etihad Cargo’s established track and trace capabilities, adaptive temperature control on freighter and passenger aircraft, cold chain storage at the hub, dry-ice packing, thermal blankets and cool dollies, all but a few of the elements available under this newly branded product.
FreshForward is just the latest release in Etihad Cargo’s revised commercial offering to increasly address premium product segments. Recent launches of new products such as FlightValet (automotive), FlyCulture (arts and music) and now FreshForward (cold chain), have been designed to specifically meet the unique attributes of those industries.
IAG Cargo announces finalists for Hangar 51 accelerator programme
IAG Cargo has announced the cargo finalists from this year’s Hangar 51 accelerator programme for start-ups that it will be collaborating with over the coming months.
Hangar 51 is a global innovation programme led by International Airlines Group (IAG) in collaboration with IAG Cargo, British Airways and Avios.
Earlier this month, IAG Cargo heard from the shortlisted startups who presented their innovative products and services before a judging panel at a pitch day in London. The programme received over 400 applications from 40 countries, with the selected 28 finalists presenting their proposals for a chance to take part in the accelerator programme.
The Hangar 51 finalists selected to work with IAG Cargo are Mobilus Labs, Emu Analytics and Assaia. While Mobilus Labs offers a wearable voice communications platform which enables teams to connect from various environments, Emu Analytics creates real-time analytics and data monetisation solutions to help track cargo and baggage containers. Assaia is a Swiss startup which feeds airport ramp video footage into the airlines’ networks to set up more efficient aircraft turnarounds.
British Airways is the lead sponsor, with IAG Cargo exploring other applications of the technology.Embedding themselves in the heart of the IAG Cargo business, these startups will be working side-by-side with mentors and experts based at the London office. The programme gives entrepreneurs access to the necessary resources to develop, shape and test their products.
Lynne Embleton, CEO at IAG Cargo, commented, “We are committed to continually innovating and investing to change how the future of air cargo logistics works. Through Hangar 51, IAG Cargo is excited to offer start-ups a chance to test and develop their products working out of our offices, and to have the opportunity to grow on a global scale. We are looking forward to working alongside Mobilus Labs, Emu Analytics and Assaia over the next 10 weeks to unlock opportunities and enhance our customer experience.”
The Hangar 51 accelerator programme will culminate in a Demonstration Day held in London on December 14, 2018, where candidates will showcase their achievements before an audience comprised of the Group’s senior management team and investors. This will give them the opportunity to receive potential investment from IAG’s multimillion-pound digital fund to scale their business.
