Etihad Cargo celebrates 20 years in India, expanding its services and commitment to meet growing cargo demands.
Etihad Cargo, the dedicated cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways, proudly commemorates two decades of successful operations in India, having launched its first flight to Mumbai on 26 September 2004. This milestone signifies the airline’s steadfast commitment to the Indian market.
Over the years, Etihad Cargo has significantly broadened its footprint in India, now providing belly-hold capacity through nonstop services to 12 major cities. The carrier handles over 46,000 tonnes of cargo annually from India, connecting the country to over 100 global destinations via its Abu Dhabi hub with 588 widebody and narrowbody rotations each month.
In response to the diverse needs of various sectors, Etihad Cargo has expanded its product offerings, focussing on key commodities such as electronics, garments, pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce products, automobile components, and courier shipments, showcasing the strength of India’s manufacturing and export capabilities.
A highlight of Etihad Cargo’s service is its IATA CEIV Pharma-certified PharmaLife product, designed to ensure precise temperature control for high-value pharmaceuticals—a sector experiencing rapid growth in India. The airline is actively exploring additional certified pharma trade lanes with key partners and has implemented stringent cargo screening for US-bound shipments from major Indian hubs, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
Since launching pharma roadshows in India in 2023, Etihad Cargo has successfully doubled PharmaLife volumes by enhancing connectivity and flight frequencies. Additionally, the introduction of the IATA CEIV Li-batt-certified SecureTech product in 2024 has bolstered the growth of electronics shipments.
“As we celebrate 20 years of operations in India, our commitment to our customers remains strong,” stated Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo. “Our ongoing investments in network expansion, product enhancement, infrastructure, and digitalisation empower us to deliver efficient and reliable air cargo solutions tailored to the evolving needs of our customers in India and beyond.”
Etihad Cargo continues to invest in advanced technologies to optimise its operations, utilising systems like Salesforce and Sales Cockpit for customer relationships and cargo management, alongside track-and-trace capabilities and automated warehouse management. The enhancement of its online booking portal, now accommodating pets and dangerous goods alongside personalised dashboards, has improved booking efficiency, with 93% of Indian bookings made directly through this platform.
Looking ahead, Etihad Cargo is dedicated to innovation and operational expansion, evaluating its network and capacity to support its customers in this vital market. With a focus on providing efficient and reliable cargo solutions, the airline aims to solidify its position as the air cargo partner of choice in India.
