Etihad Airways has signed a contract with IBS Software for the implementation of its iCargo management solution at the airline.

According to Etihad, the agreement will see iCargo manage its air cargo sales and operations worldwide, automating network-wide booking, pricing and capacity management functions with real-time revenue-management-based evaluation capabilities. iCargo will also perform real-time status monitoring and quality management as shipments are transported throughout the network.

“iCargo will enable us to be available to our customers 24 hours a day through a fully integrated online booking portal,” said David Kerr [left in photo], senior vice president of Etihad Cargo. “This will significantly enhance our customer service offering. We are also working with IBS to develop the functionality to support our customers with our product provision, loyalty programme and incentives programme. The development of this platform will allow Etihad Cargo to implement end-to-end integration of processes, provisioning for real-time data and greater operational efficiencies.”

IBS was selected after a selection process that lasted several months. Once implemented, iCargo will connect an international team of users across the business and will interface seamlessly with Etihad’s other IT system applications. The real-time availability of operational information through iCargo will help generate actionable intelligence, improving and streamlining the selling process, revenue generation and quality of service.

“To be chosen yet again by a leading airline is a reiteration that iCargo is the most definitive air cargo management solution in the world today,” said VK Mathews [right in photo], executive chairman of IBS Group. “We welcome Etihad Airways to the growing list of iCargo customers and expect to be a transformational partner in their quest to achieve increased operational efficiencies, cost optimisation and growth. This alliance is a testimony to our capability, professionalism and commitment to add value to the business requirements of global airlines. This is a strategic milestone for IBS and heralds the beginning of a long and productive business relationship.”

Etihad Cargo currently operates a fleet of five Airbus A330-200Fs and five Boeing 777Fs out of its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport.