Etihad Airways acquires Abu Dhabi Cargo Company
In a move that will boost the carrier's ground-handling and freight operations, Etihad Airways has inked a deal to acquire three airport services companies at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Formerly part of Abu Dhabi Airports Company, the three companies ” Abu Dhabi Airport Services, Abu Dhabi In-Flight Catering, and Abu Dhabi Cargo Company ” are being brought into the Etihad Airport Services fold.
The reconfigured business units will continue to provide full ground-handling, catering and cargo services to Etihad Airways and other carriers at Abu Dhabi International Airport, officials for Etihad say.
"This acquisition follows international best practice and is critical to the continued growth of the airline, and more importantly to the sustained growth and development of Abu Dhabi's aviation industry in general as envisioned in the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030," James Hogan, Etihad Airways' president and CEO, adds.
From a strictly cargo perspective, Hogan says freight customers will also benefit from stronger service levels and enhanced integration across hub operations. "It is once again in line with our strategy of working closely with our partners and service providers to achieve greater organisational and commercial alignment and a more consistent delivery of products and services along the entire value chain of the customer's experience," Hogan continues.
Etihad officials say the acquisition will provide incremental revenue opportunities, cost-savings and operational efficiencies across the various business units. (Source: azfreight)