Etihad Crystal Cargo, the cargo division of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is working closely with its Ground Handling Partner, Abu Dhabi Airport Services (ADAS) on solutions to further upgrade the handling facilities at its hub, Abu Dhabi.

Following its goal to comply with ISO14001 and being environmentally sustainable, ADAS Cargo has now bought the first six brand new electric forklifts. The brand forklifts will replace six Diesel powered forklifts and significantly reduce emissions at Etihad Crystal Cargo's hub, Abu Dhabi International Airport.

'Expansion plans to upgrade handling and cargo facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport will further support Etihad Crystal Cargo's growth. Together with our handling partner, ADAS, we are working on sustainable solutions for the increasing volume handled at our hub.' says Ingo Roessler, V.P. Cargo.

'The new forklifts are part of the project to focus on more economical equipment in a more efficient cargo complex' says Roland Blaney, Cargo Handling Manager at ADAS.

Other developments at Abu Dhabi International Airport are planned with the common target to bring ADAS Cargo Ground handling into the 21st century and to meet the ground handling needs of Etihad Crystal Cargo.

With Etihad's expansion plans for fleet and network, the volume of passenger and cargo will considerably grow in the coming year. Etihad Crystal cargo's market share at Abu Dhabi International Airport went up from 28% in 2004 to 45% in 2006.