Etihad select Skybridge for sales

ETIHAD Crystal Cargo has appointed Skybridge Networks as its GSSA for both Bulgaria and Romania. It is the first time the airline’s cargo capacity has been marketed in the two countries.

Skybridge Networks has commenced road feeder services from Sofia and Bucharest, to connect with Etihad’s twice-daily 330 passenger flights from Frankfurt, daily passenger flights from Munich and three weekly MD-11 freighter services from Frankfurt, Hahn. The company is about to upgrade the road feeder service with increased frequencies and the addition of Timisoara.

Skybridge Networks, managing director, Konstantin Ivanov, said: “The addition of Timisoara will enable us to maximise the market catchments for Etihad and spread the cost of the road feeders over a larger volume of cargo. This will provide agents with regular connections to Etihad’s plentiful capacity and worldwide network, at a very competitive total cost, which is of major importance for both markets.”

Skybridge is also negotiating interline agreements with carriers serving Etihad’s various European gateways, that will see if offering a priority service for smaller shipments requiring shorter transit times. As part of this process, it also hopes to link Varna (in northeast Bulgaria), with the Etihad network by air. Ivanov added: “Varna is an important regional airport, and the introduction of a direct flown connection could save considerable cost and time for customers who are currently trucking small shipments to Sofia.

“We are delighted to be working with Etihad Crystal Cargo. Etihad’s presence in Romania and Bulgaria will provide reliable links to important and fast growing markets like the Middle East, Africa, India and China. We look forward to developing new opportunities and strengthening their position in this region.”