Fri 16 Feb 2024
Etihad Cargo Sees Significant Growth in PharmaLife and FreshForward Products
In 2023, Etihad Cargo witnessed impressive growth in its PharmaLife and FreshForward products, with PharmaLife experiencing a remarkable 37 percent increase and FreshForward recording a 10 percent rise compared to the previous year.
The surge in pharmaceutical shipments underscored Etihad Cargo’s prowess in handling delicate and temperature-sensitive products, reaching an all-time high with a 37 percent growth compared to 2022. Similarly, FreshForward shipments saw a consistent positive performance for the third consecutive year.
Leonard Rodrigues, Acting Managing Director at Etihad Cargo, highlighted the company’s alignment with Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global hub for logistics, pharmaceuticals, and perishables. He emphasized Etihad Cargo’s commitment to quality, continuous product enhancements, and infrastructure development, which contributed to its significant growth.
Etihad Cargo’s investment in its cool chain product range has been pivotal. Holding IATA’s Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certification in pharmaceutical and fresh logistics, it achieved a commendable 99.1 percent compliance rate for pharmaceutical shipments over the past three years.
Key factors driving the increased volumes for Etihad Cargo included the launch of a dedicated pharma hub, which doubled its cool chain storage and handling capacity, and the introduction of Pharma Corridor 2.0 between Abu Dhabi and Brussels.
The pharma hub, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, experienced an immediate surge in pharmaceutical volumes since its launch in July 2023, witnessing a substantial increase month over month.
Moreover, Pharma Corridor 2.0 has enhanced the quality of handling for pharmaceutical shippers and forwarders, resulting in a 10.3 percent increase in volumes transported via the corridor in 2023.
Etihad Cargo’s commitment extends to providing additional cool chain capacity to its partners and customers globally. It expanded its network by adding new stations and increasing frequencies, serving over 70 destinations worldwide.
In Asia, Etihad Cargo introduced a fourth gateway destination in China and expanded its passenger routes to key destinations in India, enhancing connectivity and supporting the burgeoning pharma industry in the region.
Etihad Cargo’s initiatives, including the Pharma Champions program, exemplify its dedication to supporting emerging markets like India and fostering robust growth in pharmaceutical trade.
Furthermore, the implementation of enhanced cargo screening requirements for US-bound shipments demonstrates Etihad Cargo’s commitment to customer satisfaction and efficiency in cargo operations.