Etihad Crystal Cargo to Expand in Automotive Services

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Etihad Crystal Cargo, the cargo division of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is introducing eight car transporters to its handling facilities, offering its customers state-of-the-art technology for all car shipments.

All eight of the transporters, procured from a specialised Dutch company, Van Riemsdijk, are scheduled to arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport by next week, and will provide customers with one of the safest methods of transporting their vehicles.

The new equipment will be managed by Unitpool, Crystal Cargo’s long-term ULD control and pooling company.

“Etihad Crystal Cargo is constantly looking at innovative products and services which are tailored to meet the customer’s needs and requirements. The UAE automotive industry is growing year-on-year and Etihad Crystal Cargo is delighted to be satisfying the increasing demand” said Ingo Roessler, Vice President Cargo, Etihad Airways.

The new equipment, which is purpose made to Etihad’s specifications, has a loadable wheelbase of up to 394 cm and can carry any car with a gross weight of up to 3,600 kgs. A built-in loading ramp allows the equipment to be used throughout Etihad’s world-wide network, on freighter and passenger aircraft alike.

One of the automotive companies which will take advantage of the new transporters is Abu Dhabi Motors, the exclusive importer for BMW, BMW ALPINA, MINI and Rolls-Royce in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, which held a joint event with Crystal Cargo at its Umm al Nar Showroom in Abu Dhabi.

“With more people moving to the UAE and a vibrant market, it is vital to the automotive industry that the transporting of cars is done professionally and flexibly. We are looking forward to working together closely with Etihad Crystal Cargo to bring more top-class BMW cars to the UAE,” said Mr. Arno Husselmann, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Motors.

The event was attended by dignitaries, business associates as well as representatives from both Etihad Crystal Cargo and Abu Dhabi Motors. The new equipment was unveiled using a Rolls-Royce Phantom.Since the launch of its cargo services in January 2004, Etihad Crystal Cargo has transported hundreds of cars on its fleet, which will further dramatically grow with the latest innovation.