The past few years have highlighted the power of partnerships.Collaboration proved to be not only key to the sector’s survival but is also essential for its growth and sustainability.The global supply chain can be complicated, and from Etihad Cargo’s hub in Abu Dhabi, we have sought out partnerships that enable us to to keep things moving as efficiently and safely as possible.We are committed to supporting Africa’s ambitious growth plans and ensuring we remain the air cargo partner of choice for our customers across the continent through the provision of f lexible and sustainable solutions.We have partnered with leading organisations to utilise artificial intelligence to measure cargo dimensions and optimise space planning which will, in turn, enable us to improve capacity planning for our customers.Another partnership will see us develop and launch the world's first airline-specific passive temperature-controlled container. We have also formed partnerships that have enabled us to replace 3 000 containers from our original aluminium unit load device f leet with environmentally friendly lightweight versions.Collaboration and working together are essential to overcoming industry-level challenges.It is this commitment to collaboratively working with our partners and customers that has enabled us to achieve growth and success. In the coming years, we look forward to working with our partners to develop more sustainable solutions for the aviation industry.Greater stability in the airfreight market would be most welcomed, with a settled schedule of international f lights going in and out of our major international airports.Ideally, we need more f lights from the airlines already operating in southern Africa, as well as new airlines coming into the market too. All of this would help ensure further stability of rates and capacity, and provide more opportunities for increased levels of imports and exports.An overall improvement in service by all stakeholders in the airfreight market would be high on my wish list too. Increasing the level of communication and being more receptive to feedback will help all stakeholders strive for higher standards, which will serve the whole airfreight industry in southern Africa well.My last wish is for increased investment in the continuous training and education of the airfreight industry workforce.Our industry is nothing without the people who make it possible; by investing in them, we can drive forward our industry, and ensure it remains an attractive career choice in the present and the future.Milton French BIOTim IsikBIOTim is the vice-president of Commercial at Etihad Cargo, oversees the airline’s global commercial operations. He is responsible for the development and deployment of Etihad Cargo’s sales strategy and growing Etihad Cargo's strategic relationships, executing sales and marketing plans and driving team performance. Tim is committed to innovation and service enhancement, ensuring Etihad Cargo is the easiest carrier to do business with.
