Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways, has bolstered its cool chain capabilities in the United States through an expanded partnership with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group. This collaboration ensures Etihad Cargo customers can enjoy seamless end-to-end cargo services encompassing the carrier’s PharmaLife and FreshForward products, alongside the top-tier cargo handling facilities and services offered by WFS at key US airports: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Previously, Etihad Cargo joined forces with WFS in New York and Washington, focusing on maintaining Etihad Cargo’s rigorous quality standards throughout the entire cargo journey, with specialized facilities for handling perishables and pharmaceutical commodities in both locations.
At JFK, two cool rooms cater to perishables and pharmaceuticals necessitating temperatures between +2 to +8 and +15 to +25 degrees Celsius. The JFK facility boasts a ramp area located directly behind the building and a well-organized ULD storage area with a new racking system, streamlining cargo handling.
WFS’s facilities in Washington comprise a 60,000-square-foot warehouse, equipped to handle perishables, pharmaceuticals, and live animals. Over recent months, Etihad Cargo has observed an uptick in volumes for its premium product range transported into and out of Washington.
Thomas Schürmann, Head of Cargo Operations & Delivery at Etihad Cargo, emphasized the alignment of WFS’s cargo handling services with Etihad Cargo’s commitment to providing world-leading, compliant cargo solutions at every stage of the journey. This alignment, coupled with the ability to handle increased cargo volumes while maintaining consistent service levels, led to the decision to appoint WFS as the cargo handling partner at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Currently, WFS handles approximately 110,000 tonnes of cargo for Etihad Cargo in the US annually, a number expected to rise with Chicago’s addition to Etihad Cargo’s network with WFS and the higher volumes of the carrier’s PharmaLife and FreshForward products transported across the global network.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport represents the latest addition to Etihad Cargo’s network with WFS, offering a state-of-the-art on-airport facility alongside an off-airport location. The new facility includes a fully temperature-controlled warehouse featuring a Controlled Room Temperature (CRT) environment maintaining a constant temperature of +15 to +25 degrees Celsius. Additionally, a dedicated 3000-square-meter cool room is available for temperatures of +2 to +8 degrees Celsius, accommodating 120 skid and 10 ULD positions. The facility is equipped with 37 active container charging stations and areas for export, import, dangerous goods, and cooler staging.
Jose Canales, Senior Vice President of commercial & Business Development, Americas, at WFS, highlighted the company’s investment in cool chain solutions to become a key industry partner for pharmaceutical and perishable shipments. This premium solution for Etihad Cargo signifies WFS’s commitment to providing added value to its airline and freight forwarder customers, capitalizing on its global network as part of the SATS Group.
Etihad Cargo has demonstrated its dedication to quality by achieving IATA CEIV Pharma, Fresh, and Live Animals certifications, a first for a Middle Eastern airline. The airline has further enhanced its premium product offerings with specialized thermal covers, the development of over 1,330 IATA CEIV/GDP pharma trade lanes, and the adoption of digital tools to support Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global air cargo hub, with a strong focus on pharmaceuticals and life sciences products.
Schürmann concluded by emphasizing Etihad Cargo’s commitment to being the preferred air cargo partner, where quality remains a fundamental pillar in achieving this vision. Collaborating with partners such as WFS, who share and adhere to Etihad Cargo’s rigorous quality standards and industry best practices, ensures a superior customer experience and consistent, high-quality air cargo solutions across Etihad Cargo’s expansive global network.
