Etihad Crystal Cargo host world-wide Sales Conference in Abu Dhabi

Nearly 100 General Sales and Services Agents (GSSA's), business partners and team members of Etihad Crystal Cargo from all over the world, attended the two-day communication platform, reviewing and enhancing the services and product portfolio within Etihad's cargo division.

"Ultimate Information Transparency is one of our core promises - both internally and externally. A regular communication flow with our partners world-wide helps us to further improve our services and product and gather ideas for the future," says Ingo Roessler, Vice President Cargo, Etihad Airways.

At the occasion of the Sales Conference, Etihad Crystal Cargo honoured the outstanding performance of its partners.

Etihad Crystal Cargo's GSSA in Thailand, United Kargo Kare, achieved the highest station yield in the period 2005/06. Raven Cargo Services (Pvt.) Ltd. India was awarded for best revenue contribution. Transnational Diversification Group, Etihad Crystal Cargo's GSSA in Manila, achieved the best station conformance during 2006. Oriental Sky Aviation Service Co. Ltd. China was awarded for highest charter turnover.

"We have a very close relationship with our sales and services partners - reflected in our 'Principles of Partnership'. These Principles clearly state what we expect from a GSSA and our own sales force and what we offer them in terms of support and tools. By doing so, we keep our quality levels high around the world," adds Roessler.

Etihad Crystal Cargo has implemented a mix of Etihad Crystal Cargo offices and General Sales and Services Agents (GSSA's) for its cargo sales and services throughout the network, a strategy which has proven to be highly effective.

Since its last Sales Conference held in Abu Dhabi in September 2005, Etihad's cargo division has grown at a phenomenal path.

Eight brand-new aircraft and twelve routes have been added to Etihad Airways' fleet and network in 2006, further boosting Etihad Crystal Cargo's capacity.

To further improve the services levels of Etihad's cargo division, several investments in new infrastructure and technologies have been made in the last couple of months.

A high technology Portal Scanner, capable of x-raying a trailer in 90 seconds, was introduced at Abu Dhabi International Airport, dramatically reducing processing times of cargo, further increasing security within the cargo supply chain.

An agreement was signed with Traxon, providing electronic communications, and a number of E-business tools implemented.

Furthermore, Etihad's cargo division is joining the IATA Cargo 2000 initiative - as the first airline of the Middle East - improving the efficiency of air cargo, enhancing customer service levels and reducing operational costs.