ETIHAD Airport Services - Cargo (EAS-Cargo), a subsidiary of Etihad Airways, is working with Singapore-based Cargo Community Network (CCN) to roll out a new information technology platform for the Abu Dhabi cargo community.

Called Cargo Community Service (CCS), it is a one-stop service designed to facilitate the air cargo bookings and shipment processes for Abu Dhabi-based freight forwarders and clearing agents.

The system links them directly with air cargo carriers, ground handlers and third parties.

Under CCS, a number of comprehensive electronic cargo services for the Abu Dhabi air cargo community will be introduced utilising a secure online portal called CCNhub.

This includes electronic customs manifest and electronic delivery orders functions, which offer forwarders a timely and cost-effective way of submitting customs data electronically for cargo clearance, in addition to obtaining pricing information for printing delivery orders.

Teow Boon Ling, chief executive of CCN, observes: “It sets about building an air cargo e-commerce environment and hub in Abu Dhabi.

“Having been in this region for the past few years, we have a good understanding of the local market requirements and practices, and with this exciting partnership we envisage the customised e-services we deliver to the Abu Dhabi cargo community will elevate the standard of air cargo services to the next level.”

Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways’ chief strategy and planning officer, says e-commerce has always been at the forefront of how Etihad does business.

“Partnering with CCN to create a cargo technology platform will simplify business engagement for the entire Abu Dhabi cargo community by enabling all stakeholders including, forwarders, clearing agents, the terminal operator and the regulatory authorities to communicate on a single platform.”

Topics