Etihad Airways, the fast growing national airline of the United Arabia Emirates, have appointed Jettainer, the expert ULD Management Company to supply, manage and maintain their ULD fleet.

Operations are scheduled to start March 1st 2011, will run over a period of 5 years and cover global management of Etihad’s complete ULD fleet.

“Etihad is an innovative, fast growing airline and carries an excellent reputation. We are looking forward to join a partnership with common goals. Etihad is the ideal partner to enter the Middle East region.” says Alexander Plümacher, Managing Director of Jettainer.

With Etihad, Jettainer continues its expansion towards the Middle East and Asia. An operational team has started to work, fully integrated within Etihad’s hub, ensuring a seamless operation, excellent communications flow and alignment with the customer.

Etihad received a complete fleet of brand new ULDs. The fleet includes modern and environmental friendly lightweight containers. Lightweight Containers reduce the environmental impact of an airline as well reduce costs, making the airline more competitive, lighter & greener. Jettainer has developed a container 15 percent lighter than the standard aluminum version. The ULD fleet rollover and the implementation of lightweight units clearly demonstrate Etihad’s innovative approach towards a lighter and greener logistics.

Roy Kinnear, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President Cargo, said: “The ULD deal with Jettainer will ensure Etihad’s cargo services remain among the best in the world. Like Etihad, Jettainer is renowned for professionalism and efficiency, and together we will be able to offer our customers an unparalleled service wherever they are in the world. Jettainer have demonstrated that they can add considerable value in the supply chain and support our operation with their experience, high calibre of staff and award winning software.”

Etihad is the 13th member in the customer pool of Jettainer.