WEEKLY NEWS


AIR CARG O WEEK


RISING DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA


BY Edward HARDY 04


OVER the past five years, forwarders worldwide have seen just how power ful digital procurement can be. With digital bookings now on track to outpace of f line, the industry is looking at how to accelerate adoption. Expanding specialised


networks services


and give


investment forwarders


globally. Hand-in-hand, in the


edge to quote faster, win more business, and scale


car riers,


forwarders, and digital booking platforms are making it easier to grow with the digital tools they need. “Since 2018, Etihad Cargo’s digitalisation


strategy has launched new technologies and solutions to provide customers and par tners with an improved service of fering,” Grant Kemp, Regional General Manager of Af rica, Middle East and CIS at Etihad Cargo, said. “In 2019, we were happy to par tner with


cargo.one to launch a new digital initiative. Digital


quoting quick, convenient


experience.” “We’re


proud and and to Etihad Cargo to pioneer booking have enables par tnered digital a seamless customer with distribution


f rom Abu Dhabi, delivering forwarders of all sizes an ef f icient, seamless way to access Etihad’s global network and unique of ferings like PharmaLife and FreshForward,” Simson Demmer, Vice President of Par tnerships at cargo.one, added. “With


deeper technology


forwarders now have more adaptable tools and f lexible


options, empowering our


better meet market demands and maximise the full value of Etihad’s digital solutions. This collaboration underscores


Adoption on the rise Recognising


early that freight forwarders


needed much better ways to identify and secure confirmed capacity was key embrace of


to the increased innovation. Forwarders have learnt


that digitalisation is the best way to get more out of their existing teams. Digital platforms and third- party portals enable them to quote and secure capacity faster with carriers, eliminating thousands of emails and team hours saved per year. “While Europe and the North American forwarders


were ahead with digital in earlier years, we are now seeing a strong increase in adoption rates in Africa, the Middle East and CIS across Asia,” Kemp highlighted. “We have just expanded our markets available


on cargo.one to include 15 additional countries in Africa, the Middle East and CIS, so now a total of 31 countries to over 70 global destinations. The launch of the UAE for digital booking is a really pleasing milestone, reflecting the digital transformation progress that UAE forwarders have made.” “Digital quoting and booking on cargo.one is part


of Etihad Cargo’s continuous programme of digital innovations to help forwarders work smarter, manage shipments end-to-end more easily and maximise their business growth.” “With cargo.one, UAE forwarders can now seamlessly manage global


integration, them to commitment


to making air cargo more accessible and customer-focused.”


ACW 9 DECEMBER 2024 www.aircargoweek.com


while leveraging Etihad’s extensive network,” Demmer continued. “This setup not only extends their reach to new


markets but also strengthens their ability to build and expand commercial relationships worldwide. By combining cargo.one’s digital efficiency with Etihad’s reliable connectivity, forwarders can secure more business, deepen partnerships, and provide clients with flexible, high-quality service across the Middle East and beyond.”


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