Etihad Crystal Cargo and Abu Dhabi Airport Services to introduce common IT platform

With the common target to further enhance the daily communication flow between Etihad Crystal Cargo and ADAS, ADAS has changed its Cargo System to the Swiss-made IT platform "Cargospot", which Etihad Crystal Cargo has been using for two years.

"One of our core promises is Ultimate Information Transparency - this promise applies within Etihad Crystal Cargo but also for our external communication. With our common IT platform we have created the basis for a smooth transfer of information between our reservations team and the handling team of ADAS," said Ingo Roessler, Vice President Cargo, Etihad Airways.

Cargospot is a fully integrated software platform that delivers comprehensive functionalities for air cargo sales, services and operations - such as reservation, reporting, tracking and handling tools.

"The joint investment in Cargospot will generate substantial benefits for operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA). The new system enables us not only to handle efficiently the growing number of airlines operating at ADIA, but also to fully respond to Etihad Crystal Cargo's giant growth," said Mr. Mohamed Saeed Al Hamly, Acting General Manager, Abu Dhabi Airport Services (ADAS).

The common Cargo System will further enhance the hub performance at ADIA, significantly reducing transit times, and carry positive benefits for Etihad Crystal Cargo's customers, offering them enhanced tracking information.

The open infrastructure of Cargospot already has several interfaces to customs authorities world-wide, preparing Abu Dhabi to offer paperless pre-clearing services to all airline customers.

The implementation of the cut-over started at the beginning of June 2006 and was completed in the record time of four weeks thanks to the joint efforts of all parties involved.

The successful cut-over was celebrated with a function entitled "One System - One Hub - One Team", attended by contributing team members of Etihad Crystal Cargo, Abu Dhabi Airport Services and Abu Dhabi Airport Customs further building the strong relationship and cooperation between the two teams.

During the function, Etihad and ADAS discussed future joint projects, highlighting once more the joint efforts and common target of providing innovative services at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Over the last two years, Etihad Crystal Cargo has become a major player at Abu Dhabi International Airport. According to figures from ADAS, the market share of Etihad's cargo division was 28% in 2004, in 2005 it went up to 45%. For 2006 a major increase is expected with the launch of numerous new routes and aircraft.