By Rafiq Vayani
ABU DHABI: AVIAREPS, the global leader in aviation, tourism and hospitality representation with 77 offices in 71 countries around the world, has been appointed as Cargo General Sales Agent (Cargo GSA) for Etihad Cargo in Uzbekistan.
Etihad Cargo is the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. Based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Cargo provides air freight solutions across major global trade lanes, connecting Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas through Etihad’s international network.
The Cargo GSA appointment follows the recent launch of Etihad Airways’ direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent, creating new opportunities for cargo connectivity between Uzbekistan, the UAE and Etihad Cargo’s wider global network. With immediate effect, AVIAREPS will support Etihad Cargo’s commercial growth in Uzbekistan through dedicated cargo sales, customer service, reservations and local market development.
The new cargo appointment further strengthens AVIAREPS’ long-standing partnership with Etihad. AVIAREPS already acts as Cargo General Sales Agent for Etihad Airways in two countries and as Passenger GSA in 18 markets across Asia and Europe, including recent appointments in Romania, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Armenia and Georgia, in addition to existing partnerships in the Baltic and Nordic European countries and the Philippines.
Under the new agreement, AVIAREPS will promote and sell Etihad Cargo’s air transportation services to cargo agents, freight forwarders and customers in Uzbekistan. The scope includes cargo reservations and booking administration, customer and post-sales support, sales visits, quotation and tender support, distribution of approved timetables, tariffs and promotional materials, sales reporting, and regular market insight. As part of its operational responsibilities, AVIAREPS will act as a local point of contact for customers and cargo agents, coordinate with ground handling partners where required, support shipment-related administration, and assist with the roll-out of electronic AWB implementation in the market.
Frederick Overton, Global Head of Cargo at AVIAREPS: “We are proud to further strengthen our partnership with Etihad through the new cargo appointment in Uzbekistan. The launch of Abu Dhabi-Tashkent flights creates strong potential for cargo development between Uzbekistan, the UAE and Etihad Cargo’s wider global network. With our local market expertise, cargo know-how and established relationships with freight forwarders and cargo agents, we look forward to supporting Etihad Cargo’s commercial growth and customer engagement in the market.”
Grant Kemp, Regional General Manager at Etihad: “Uzbekistan is an important addition to Etihad’s expanding network, and the appointment of AVIAREPS as our Cargo General Sales Agent will support our commercial development and service offering in the market. AVIAREPS’ local presence, cargo sales experience and strong customer relationships make them a valuable partner as we continue to grow our cargo activities and strengthen connectivity through Abu Dhabi.