WCS17: Frank conversation and Arabian hospitality

David Kerr, senior vice president Etihad Cargo, the host airline for the event, said: “The IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS) is such a vital forum for our industry and we are proud to host it in Abu Dhabi for the first time.

“I can think of no place that better embodies this year’s WCS theme: ‘Transform Today: Shape Tomorrow’.

“At Etihad Cargo we continually invest in innovation to ensure that we are able to offer the best possible products and services to serve our customers – now and into the future.

“As part of this commitment, we have partnered with the Abu Dhabi-based Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, a graduate level, research-oriented university focused on alternative energy, sustainability and the environment, to develop a new-generation cool dolly. And we are pursuing other, new ideas in conjunction with their researchers.

“We look forward to discussing these latest innovations and projects with visitors to our hub city in March.”

Kerr added: “One of the most valuable aspects of the WCS is the open, frank conversations that take place between all stakeholders, both during formal panel sessions and at the more informal networking events, such as the gala dinner on the second evening.

“Etihad Cargo has the honour of hosting the gala dinner and we are looking forward to showcasing Abu Dhabi’s renowned Arabian hospitality to our local and international guests.

“As the official host airline, we are proud to welcome – and hopefully fly – delegates to our wonderful home, a vibrant, innovative city with its geographical centricity and many convenient connections to six continents across the globe.

“Our hospitality promises to appeal to first-time and regular visitors to the capital city of the UAE.”