Etihad Cargo, part of UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways, has become the first cargo airline in the Gulf region to implement Cargo-XML, the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) new technology standard for air cargo communications.
Developed collaboratively with industry stakeholders, Cargo-XML removes the requirement for cargo paper documentation, otherwise known as an Air Waybill.
The technology is now used by a growing number of airlines and other air cargo supply chain stakeholders, including shippers, freight forwarders, ground-handling agents, regulators as well as customs and security agencies.
Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: "The implementation of Cargo-XML follows close collaboration with Abu Dhabi Customs and other stakeholders, and marks a major step in establishing Abu Dhabi as an e-Freight airport.
"By implementing Cargo-XML, a technology that is more flexible and robust than previous standards, Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi are now positioned as e-Freight leaders across the Gulf region.
"A unique feature of the system allows Abu Dhabi Customs to receive advance notification of all Abu Dhabi-bound cargo on Etihad Airways' flights. This will enhance processing time through our hub."
Etihad Cargo is also one of the early signatories of a new IATA multilateral agreement on electronic communication technology standards, known as Resolution 672. Stakeholder support for the new systems is on the rise, and IATA's vision is to achieve 100 per cent electronic cargo communications by the end of 2015.
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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2012 carried 10.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways offers flights to 97 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas, with a fleet of 87 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and over 220 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s, and 10 Airbus A380s, the world's largest passenger aircraft. Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus and Jet Airways. Subject to regulatory approval, Etihad Airways will launch a new airline brand in Q1 2014, Etihad Regional, after taking a 33.3 per cent stake in Swiss carrier Darwin Airline. The airline will also acquire 49 per cent of Air Serbia from January 2014. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com
For more information:
Niall Doheny
Corporate Communications Manager
Etihad Airways
Tel: +971 2 511 1058
Email: media@etihad.ae
© Press Release 2013
