Etihad Crystal Cargo, a division of Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, has selected Descartes' Global Logistics Network (GLN) as its preferred global provider of air cargo electronic data interchange (EDI) services.

GLN is part of Descartes Systems Group, a global on-demand software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics solutions provider.

Descartes will provide a range of electronic communications services aimed at strengthening links between Etihad's cargo division and its trading partners and freight forwarding customers around the world.

Descartes' Global Logistics Network helps airlines, like Etihad Crystal Cargo, meet global customs requirements; monitor shipments (at a master air waybill level between airports; monitor events and match route map milestones against actual event timing); simplify shipment management and invoicing; consolidate status data of multiple route maps to obtain statistical data about) improve transportation quality; and transmit accurate tracking updates to customers.

"As real-time messaging requirements grow in our industry, we continue to seek more cost effective ways to ensure seamless electronic channels between our customers, service suppliers, airline partners and worldwide governmental authorities," said Etihad Crystal Cargo's executive vice-president Des Vertannes.

"After extensive evaluation of numerous providers, we selected Descartes as our preferred supplier because of the broad range of high quality and global services provided by its Global Logistics Network system," he added.

Etihad Airways has also chosen to implement Descartes' Cargo 2000 Cargo Data Management platform. Cargo 2000 is an industry initiative led by International Air Transport Association (IATA) and supported by Descartes since 1998. It aims to standardize processes to improve efficiencies for the worldwide air cargo industry.

In addition, Etihad Crystal Cargo has chosen to implement a programme designed to eliminate the need to produce and transport paper documents for air cargo, in line with the requirements of the IATA e-freight message improvement program (MIP).

"Etihad Crystal Cargo is a valuable Descartes customer. We are pleased it selected Descartes as preferred provider and that we could extend the value of our Global Logistics Network to help it comply with customs requirements and Cargo 2000," said executive vice-president, global field operations, Edward Ryan. – TradeArabia News Service