AIR CARG O WEEK


MIDDLE EAST


SUPPLEMENT


employees? How easy is it to get trained personnel at the moment? The average age of cargo staff in the UAE is 41. Etihad Cargo has a robust recruitment and development programme designed to attract young, tech-savvy talent to continue driving innovation and leveraging technology. Additionally, 30% of Etihad Cargo’s operations and commercial teams are female, and 22% of the senior leadership team are women. The executive leadership team at Etihad Airways is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equal organisation, as demonstrated by various support programmes. I firmly believe that gender balance in cargo is crucial, and despite traditional perceptions of the industry, we are seeing an increasing number of women in managerial roles across sectors such as revenue management, sales, customer service, and operations. Securing trained personnel is currently not a challenge for Etihad Cargo,


thanks to our strong focus on training and our reputation as an employer of choice. We attract some of the industry’s top talent across a diverse range of specialities, bringing international experience from various parts of the globe. The collective experience and competencies of these professionals enable Etihad Cargo to maintain its status as one of the best organisations to work for.


Do you employ many foreign nationals in the cargo operation? Naturally, as Etihad Cargo is based in the UAE, we are a diverse organisation and employ different nationalities from around the world. We currently employ 40 nationalities, drawing from their rich international experience. This diversity enriches our operations and contributes to our global perspective and capabilities.


What role do you think AI will have in the airline’s cargo operations and planning in the coming years? AI is already playing a significant role in Etihad Cargo’s operations and planning, and its importance will continue to grow in the coming years. Digitalisation is a key priority for me personally, and AI is integral to this transformation. For instance, we utilise AI-powered tools to optimise cargo capacity and streamline handling processes. Furthermore, we recently released Sales Cockpit in partnership with Rotate; this tool enhances our sales organisation’s ability to communicate more effectively and deeply with our customers about actual flows and opportunities. As we continue to innovate, AI will be crucial in optimising operations, improving customer interactions, and driving efficiency across our cargo operations.


Rising operational costs, driven by increased fuel prices and higher insurance premiums, are pressuring profit margins. You must balance these costs while trying to maintain competitive pricing and service levels. Easy or difficult? Balancing rising operational costs while maintaining competitive pricing and service levels is undoubtedly challenging. However, the industry has recognised this necessity, especially in the wake of COVID-19. There is now a significant focus on optimising cost structures across organisations and improving pricing, booking, and communication channels. Digitalisation is a must for freight forwarders and airlines alike to enhance efficiency and reduce costs while ensuring seamless communication of essential information to shippers and authorities. Additionally, the type of aircraft in our fleet plays a vital role in managing fuel consumption and costs. For example, Etihad Cargo’s fleet has an average age of 7.5 years, and we operate the most recent, fuel-efficient aircraft available. This approach helps us control costs while maintaining our commitment to high service levels and competitive pricing.


What utilisation are you getting from your freighters? Any plans to increase the fleet? Today, we operate five freighters in Etihad Cargo’s fleet, optimising their utilisation to achieve more than 15 flying hours per day. We are committed to maximising efficiency and meeting growing demand. Looking ahead, we have plans to expand our fleet and will continue to explore opportunities to increase our capacity, ensuring we can support our customers’ needs effectively.


Have you any other thought/observation on the Middle East for my report? The Middle East is undergoing rapid development and strengthening economically, with the UAE at the forefront. The UAE, in particular, offers incredible stability and has a strong vision for future development, making it an attractive hub for various industries. This dynamic environment presents numerous opportunities for growth and innovation, reinforcing the region’s strategic importance on the global stage.


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