of the independent OCTOBER 2011 SERVING THE INDEPENDENT FREIGHT FORWARDING COMMUNITY No.004 Etihad forges closer links to independent freight forwarders DESPITE providing much greater yields for airlines than the large multinational freight forwarding companies, SME forwarders have for many years felt aggrieved that they have had very little recognition or benefits from carriers for the revenues they provide. AIRLINES have devoted the majority of their time and effort into securing the volumes on offer from the integrators, albeit at far lower rates, at the expense of securing more lucrative business with thousands of independent agents around the world. However, more progressive airlines are awakening to the potential new business they can secure by forging close working relationships with the independent sector by offering a range of incentives only previously open to large global companies. In just such a move that will provide a range of exciting new benefits for independent forwarders, Etihad Crystal Cargo and WCA Family of Logistic Networks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be the first cargo airline to act as a vendor within the WCA Family network. The agreement is evidence of the importance airlines are now placing on the independent sector, and Etihad has jumped to the forefront by implementing this agreement. The deal was revealed on the first day of the 8th Annual Sino-International Freight Forwarders Conference in Shanghai by WCA Family President David Yokeum. Etihad Crystal Cargo senior management were present to meet and greet the attendees. This innovative programme will allow WCA Family freight forwarder members a range of incentives and benefits including unprecedented access to Etihad Crystal Cargo’s global network of 84 destinations. WCA Family members will now have full access to Etihad’s airwaybills, with no bond necessary and ending the need for coloading. Roy Kinnear, Senior Vice-President Cargo at Etihad stated: “At a time when we are enhancing service from Asia to the Indian Subcontinent and into Africa, we are very excited about this MoU with WCA Family and expect to be able to deliver exceptional value and routings to their members. “In our industry the issue of credit can be an administrative and financial burden, especially for the smaller independent forwarder. This agreement allows WCA Family members to leverage the strength of the Etihad relationship with WCA Family to provide an airwaybill facility on behalf of its members. This means all WCAF agents will now have access to Etihad Crystal Cargo’s full booking facility. “In simple terms, if you are already trading with Etihad, it’s business as usual. However NEW DEAL: Etihad has signed a ground-breaking MoU with WCA Family, providing independent freight forwarders with unprecedented access to the airline’s capacity if you need access to more choice for your airfreight, this unique initiative allows you to begin transactions with Etihad quickly, founded on the strength of the Etihad relationship with WCA Family. Etihad’s worldwide sales network stands ready to support the member’s needs with creative airfreight solutions.” WCA Family President, David Yokeum, is certain that the deal will bring major benefits to independent forwarders and the relationship will continue to strengthen in the future, bringing even greater rewards to the sector. “Etihad as a company has shown great vision by thinking outside the box and forging this partnership with a private organisation. I would like to commend Etihad Crystal Cargo, for having the foresight and drive to engage so productively with the independent forwarding community. “This is the first such MoU between a forwarding network and an airline. WCA Family staff and members are committed to working hard to ensure this is a win-win situation for both parties.” Etihad is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and now has a significant global presence in airfreight, operating to a total of 83 international destinations, of which 29 are served by dedicated freighter aircraft. 2 E-commerce Independent forwarders are stepping into new territory 3 Frankfurt night ban The logistics sector could be hit hard by the surprise ban 5 Emissions threat European ETS is set to add new costs for the industry 6 China success The Sino 2011 conference breaks all records