The cargo and logistics arm of United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) airline Etihad Airways, Etihad Cargo, has appointed global carrier provider Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, as the carrier’s US cargo handling partner to enhance its capabilities in the region.

Etihad Cargo has expanded its network with WFS to incorporate all the carrier’s stations in the US.

From October 3, WFS will be Etihad Cargo’s cargo handling partner at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

Among the WFS cargo handling facilities Etihad Cargo will use at ORD are two dedicated parking positions conveniently located directly outside WFS’ cargo warehouse and the cargo handling agent’s brand-new ORD airport facility, which features “state-of-the-art” temperature-controlled storage rooms.

Etihad Cargo operations and delivery head Thomas Schürmann says Etihad Cargo is committed to providing “consistent, high-quality, end-to-end air cargo solutions”.

“Therefore, it is imperative the carrier collaborates with cargo handling partners that can meet these expectations and deliver exceptional services in full compliance with Etihad Cargo’s standards and industry requirements,” he adds.

He says that expanding Etihad Cargo’s network with WFS will enable it to ensure Etihad Cargo’s robust quality standards are maintained throughout the cargos’ entire journey.

“WFS’s investment in new facilities, growth in our cargo business in North America, and unwavering focus on service quality are the cornerstones of our partnership with Etihad Cargo,” says WFS cargo and express North America senior VP Frank Clemente.

This new facility is equipped with a large cool room providing the capacity for eight pallets, which will bolster Etihad Cargo’s end-to-end cool chain capabilities in the region.

WFS Group commercial executive Mohammed Esa

adds that WFS’s global network as part of the SATS Group enables it to serve its strategic customers consistently and support their growth in key cargo markets.

Etihad Cargo’s expanded partnership with WFS in the US supports the carrier’s focus on enhancing its Center of Excellence for Independent Validators-certified premium products, including

PharmaLife, FreshForward, LiveAnimals and SkyStables.