Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, will serve as host airline for the third ACE event, taking place between the 4th and 6th of December 2023.
Held at the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island hotel, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the focus of the conference will be on the Middle East market, the transformation of air cargo, and the handling and transportation of time-critical and special cargoes.
“After the previous editions being held in China pre-Covid, we are excited to hold ACE 2023 in the Middle East,” said Christos Spyrou, Founder and CEO of co-organizer, Air Cargo Plus.
“ACE is designed for air cargo logistics executives, and our third edition will feature excellent networking opportunities, world-class speakers debating key issues, and solution-driven workshops in a friendly but professional atmosphere.
“Abu Dhabi is an ideal location for our conference because of its reputation as a dynamic business destination, built on its strategic regional location, fast-growing knowledge economy and innovative air cargo ecosystem, led by Etihad Cargo and Abu Dhabi Airports.”
Abu Dhabi Airports will welcome ACE international delegates along with the local air cargo community for an onsite visit of Etihad Cargo’s new pharma facility and an inspiring discussion about the future of Abu Dhabi as a key air cargo hub.
“Etihad Cargo is pleased to co-host the ACE Conference in the UAE’s capital in partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports,” said Leonard Rodrigues, Head of Revenue Management, Fleet and Network, Etihad Cargo.
“Abu Dhabi has emerged as a global logistics hub, offering a strategic location to enhance connectivity between the East and the West and providing the perfect place for airlines, freight forwarders, and other air cargo stakeholders to come together to share insights and deepen relationships that will further advance the air cargo industry.”
Aimed at forward-thinking executives, business owners, and cargo decision-makers, the event will offer networking opportunities including the one-to-one meeting scheduler, in-person meetings, hospitality suites, social evening events, and long-enough breaks for quality networking to build long-lasting relationships.
“What makes ACE unique is the ability to gather executives, business owners and decision makers from airlines, GSSAs and freight forwarders, especially the small and medium size ones, and their key solution providers,” said Céline Hourcade, Founder and Managing Director, Change Horizon.
“ACE brings the right people for mutual business benefits: the best future partners under one roof to generate concrete business opportunities.”
ACE 23 is organized by Air Cargo Plus and Change Horizon and is supported by TIACA, FIATA, Pharma.Aero, NAP, and WAL.
Etihad Airways took home a sweep of awards in the World Travel Awards Middle East which took place during a glamorous gala dinner at Atlantis the Royal in Dubai on Sunday night, and the Global Loyalty Awards which took place in Rio de Janeiro. The UAE’s national airline took home a total of six awards recognising its leading position in the travel and aviation industry.
“On behalf of the entire Etihad family, we’re truly proud to be recognised in the prestigious World Travel Awards. Our dedicated Cabin Crew are committed to giving our guests the world’s best inflight experience and winning the Middle East’s Best Cabin Crew for the fifth year in a row is proof that they’re delivering”, said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad.
Graham E. Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “Congratulations to Etihad Airways for winning ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Business Class’, ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – Customer Experience’, ‘Middle East’s Leading Cabin Crew’, ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Lounge – First Class’. This is a remarkable achievement, reflecting how the brand is setting the benchmark in aviation. The commitment of the entire team at Etihad Airways serves as an inspiration to us all.”
Etihad’s Business class is recognised as the best in the Middle East, with its Business Studio taking the inflight experience to new heights. In partnership with Armani/Casa, the airline features a high-end restaurant style dining experience with Armani/Casa co-branded dining ware and textiles.
Earlier this year, Etihad launched complimentary ‘chat’ Wi-Fi connectivity for Etihad Guest members and enhanced surf packages giving unlimited data to guests for the duration of the flight. This enhancement to Etihad’s excellent E-Box inflight entertainment offering, helped seal the airline’s position as winner of Best Inflight Entertainment for the seventh year in a row.
Etihad’s Cabin Crew are renowned for their spirit of authentic, personal service drawing inspiration from the generous hospitality of the UAE. To support the airline’s current growth phase, Etihad has been increasing the strength of its Cabin Crew who all undergo extensive training in safety, service and hospitality to ensure Etihad maintains its leading reputation.
Golden Loyalty Awards
Adding to the awards tally, Etihad Airways was also winner of the “Best Use of Technology” in this year’s Golden Loyalty Awards, the largest gathering of the travel loyalty industry taking place in Rio de Janeiro.
The airline was recognised by judges as one of the early movers in the NFT space following its launch of its collection of 3D digital aircraft models, dubbed EY-ZERO1, where each NFT resulted in immediate Etihad Guest Silver status as well as other benefits.
Mr Neves continued, “This Global Loyalty award recognises Etihad’s innovative spirit. As an airline we’re constantly looking to push the boundaries of the industry, whether that’s through our contribution to improving aviation’s impact on the environment, exceeding the expectations of our guests through hospitality, or enabling new technology.”
Through an innovative approach to using technology, Etihad was able to allocate all proceeds from the sale of the EY-ZERO1 collection to purchase sustainable aviation fuel in 2022, supporting the airline’s commitment to decarbonisation.
This is the third year in a row that Etihad was recognised as a leader in global loyalty, having won the best use of marketing in 2022 for the Big Australia campaign, and the best use of technology in 2021 for the innovative Miles on the Go product.