Etihad Cargo Unveils Bold Regional Structure for Growth

Key Takeaways

• Etihad Cargo introduced a new regional structure with five European areas, each led by a dedicated local manager.
• Flight capacity to Europe increased by over 660 tonnes weekly; China routes will reach 18 flights per week by 2025.
• A Customer Experience Department was created for faster support, personalizing service and responding quickly to customer needs.

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways, has taken a major step toward improving the way it operates. The company recently rolled out a new regional structure designed to help its network grow stronger and more flexible. This move is expected to bring Etihad Cargo’s leadership closer to important markets, give faster support to customers, and make the company quicker at handling changes in the world of shipping and logistics.

At its heart, this change is about making sure Etihad Cargo can meet growing demand while providing better service where it matters most. By organizing teams more closely to the places they serve, the company hopes to build on its success and stay ahead of rivals in a busy global market.

Bringing Teams Closer: An Overview of the New Regional Structure

The main reason behind Etihad Cargo’s new structure is to match the company’s growth with management that is better connected to each region. Before this change, decision-making was more centered at the top level, but now, the focus is on giving more power and responsibility to managers who know their markets best.

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, summed up the thinking: “This restructure allows us to scale our operations in line with market demand while reinforcing our commitment to customer-centricity and operational excellence. By bringing our teams closer to the markets they serve, we are positioned to deliver faster, smarter and more agile logistics solutions.”

This means that people making decisions in France, for example, have a better understanding of what French businesses and customers need. In the same way, those running the show in Germany, Italy, or the United Kingdom are now in a better position to act quickly and offer services that fit the needs of their local clients.

Let’s take a closer look at how this new structure is set up, especially in Europe and around the world.

Focus on Europe: Detailed Team Leadership

One of the biggest changes is seen in how Etihad Cargo now serves Europe. The commercial team in Europe has been carefully split into five areas, each with its own dedicated manager. This ensures that every region has a leader who knows the local market well and can respond quickly.

Here’s how the new European team looks:

• Southwest Europe: This area covers France, Spain, and Portugal and is led by Eric Lamare, who is based in Paris.
• UK & Ireland: Led by Michael Mackenzie, this team looks after both the United Kingdom and Ireland.
• Northwest Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark fall under the direction of Karim Grinate.
• Central Europe: Managing Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is Karim Rakkrouki.
• Southeast Europe: Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, and Greece are all led by Lorenzo Donato.

All five managers report to Rainer Krammer, who is the Regional Manager for Europe and the Americas. This structure means there’s always someone who is responsible for each area and who can make decisions quickly, without waiting for approval from head office.

The table below lays out the European team’s organization in simple terms:

This clear outline helps customers and partners know exactly whom to contact, no matter where they are in Europe.

Global Realignment Beyond Europe

Europe isn’t the only place seeing changes. Etihad Cargo’s new way of organizing goes further, reaching across the world. The company’s entire global structure has been split into four major regions:

• South Asia & Oceania
• North Eastern Asia
• Europe & Americas
• Africa, Middle East, CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States—former Soviet Union countries)

Each of these four areas is now managed by a regional director with experience and knowledge that’s closely tied to local markets. These directors have the power to make decisions about routes, pricing, customer support, and more, helping Etihad Cargo respond faster as situations change.

Strategic Goals Behind the New Structure

So why did Etihad Cargo decide to make these changes now? The new structure isn’t just for show. There are several clear goals the company aims to reach with these updates.

1. Market Leadership
The split into different regions allows both online and offline stations to connect directly with customers in their area, pushing for leadership in every market. By being more present locally, Etihad Cargo can better understand customer demands, helping it outshine competitors.

2. Customer Focus
Decentralizing the way decisions are made means local managers can solve problems quicker and even tailor services for clients in their area. This shift shows that Etihad Cargo is placing the customer at the center of its operations, making getting help or finding answers simpler and faster.

3. Operational Agility
By breaking down a larger organization into smaller, well-managed regions, Etihad Cargo is more flexible. The company can adjust schedules, flight routes, or even pricing in a snap, responding to sudden changes such as demand spikes, new regulations, or issues like weather or political events.

4. Supporting Network Growth
As Etihad Cargo grows, it needs a structure that can handle more flights, destinations, and types of cargo. The company recently expanded its weekly flight capacity into Europe, adding an extra wide-body aircraft that can carry over 660 tonnes every week, plus another 200 tonnes on freighter aircraft, especially during the busy summer months. This investment shows just how serious the company is about building its network with the right tools and people.

5. Better Service for Customers
A key part of the update is the creation of a Customer Experience Department. This new team is focused only on improving the way customers are supported, gathering feedback, and making changes where needed. The aim is to make sure every client, big or small, gets the attention and service they deserve.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a wider effort to keep Etihad Cargo ahead as Abu Dhabi aims to become a main hub for moving goods around the world. This ambition requires not just investments in planes and routes, but also in people and how the business is run.

Recent Capacity Growth and What It Means

Etihad Cargo’s focus on growing its network is matched by big increases in its flight operations. The new regional structure supports these changes.

Here are some highlights of the latest growth moves:

• Europe Expansion: Etihad Cargo has boosted its weekly flights and added more space for cargo on busy routes. That means goods move more quickly and there are more choices for businesses wanting to ship products in or out of Europe.
• China Flights: The company has stepped up its flights between China and the rest of the world. In 2024, there were 11 flights each week on China routes, but there are plans to increase this to at least 18 flights every week by early-to-mid 2025.
• Supporting Growth Elsewhere: These same types of increases are happening in other regions, allowing Etihad Cargo to offer more options—and more reliability—for its customers.

The goal of these changes is not just about having more flights, but being able to send packages and goods faster, cheaper, and with fewer problems. The new management structure puts people in place who can spot what’s needed and make changes right away.

The Ripple Effect: How Different Stakeholders Benefit

The new regional structure and network growth are expected to affect several groups in positive ways.

For Customers

Customers can expect quicker responses when they need help, more flexible shipping choices, and personalized service. Dealing with someone who understands their country’s needs—whether it’s local laws, holidays, or business customs—goes a long way to making the shipping process smoother.

For Businesses

Companies that rely on moving their goods internationally will benefit from faster turnaround times and better support. The growth in weekly capacity means there’s less chance of having goods stuck waiting for space, and last-minute changes can be handled more easily.

For Etihad Cargo Staff

Bringing decision-making closer to the ground means employees feel more engaged and trusted. Managers can suggest changes or new services based on what their clients are saying without going up a long chain of command. This often leads to more creativity and better solutions.

For the Wider Shipping Industry

As Etihad Cargo steps up its service, other carriers may feel pressure to improve as well. This competition can lead to better prices, more options, and higher standards for everyone involved.

Fit with Abu Dhabi’s Global Logistics Goals

The move fits into a bigger plan to make Abu Dhabi not just a local leader, but a global one in the shipping and logistics industry. With its location, strong airline connections, and major investments, the city is set to become a central hub for goods moving between Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond.

Etihad Cargo’s network growth and smart regional structure mean the company is better placed to support this vision. By connecting more places and building stronger partnerships with customers, Abu Dhabi stands a better chance at being seen as a world leader in moving goods quickly and safely.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

Of course, making changes on this scale comes with risks. Some possible concerns are:

• Learning curve: Staff and partners need time to adjust to new reporting lines and ways of working.
• Keeping everyone aligned: With more local managers making decisions, it’s important to maintain a unified approach and quality of service, no matter the region.
• Competitive response: Other companies might copy the approach or try to win clients with lower prices or extra services.

However, Etihad Cargo’s careful planning and clear communication—especially the decision to create a Customer Experience Department—should help reduce these problems as the changes roll out.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for Etihad Cargo and Its Partners

Etihad Cargo’s introduction of a new regional structure shows a strong commitment to growing its network and making sure customers around the world get better service. By putting experienced local managers in charge and giving them the tools they need, the company is set to meet increased demand and stay flexible as things change.

With weekly capacities increasing across both Europe and Asia, Etihad Cargo is not only helping customers today, but is also setting itself up for long-term success as Abu Dhabi grows as a global logistics hub. The new setup allows for faster decisions, more creative problem-solving, and stronger relationships with customers and partners.

For those interested in learning more about Etihad Cargo’s services, official updates and details can be found on the Etihad Cargo official website.

As the company moves forward, both its staff and customers stand to benefit from a business model designed to be flexible, customer-focused, and ready for the future of global shipping. With strong leadership, a clear regional structure, and investments in network growth, Etihad Cargo looks well placed to meet the needs of a changing world.

Learn Today

Regional Structure → A management approach dividing operations by geographic regions, each with local leaders making key decisions for their area.
Wide-body Aircraft → Large airplanes with two aisles, allowing significantly more cargo or passengers on each flight compared to single-aisle planes.
Customer Experience Department → A team dedicated to improving customer service, handling feedback, and ensuring positive interactions throughout the shipping process.
Network Growth → The process of expanding routes, flights, and connections, enabling a company to serve more markets and customers.
Operational Agility → The ability of an organization to quickly adapt operations in response to market changes, regulations, or unexpected events.

This Article in a Nutshell

Etihad Cargo has reorganized its regional management, giving power to local leaders in key areas. This shift improves customer support, speeds up logistics decisions, and expands network reach. Increased flight and cargo capacity, especially in Europe and China, puts Etihad Cargo ahead as Abu Dhabi aims for global logistics leadership.
— By VisaVerge.com

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