Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, announced on Saturday the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Air Cargo, a leading freight solutions provider specializing in multimodal sea-to-air transportation.
The agreement will see National Air Cargo incorporating rail transport into its offerings to meet the needs of its clients the UAE as well as in Gulf markets via Etihad Rail’s connection to the GCC-wide railway network.
Signed by Etihad Rail CEO Dr. Nasser Al Mansoori and Jacob Mathew, President – Asia and Board Member of National Air Cargo, the MoU will allow for the diversification of the range of business solutions available to National Air Cargo’s clients, with freight-forwarding capabilities to now include a mix of sea, air and rail transport.
Commenting on the MoU, Dr Al Mansoori said: “Etihad Rail aims to provide UAE businesses with customized rail transport solutions that are cost-effective and efficient, ultimately simulating economic growth. The MoU with National Air Cargo will enable businesses to meet the needs of this changing market, allowing them to remain competitive through tailored freight solutions and to take advantage of the benefits of that rail offers. “
Jacob Mathew of National Air Cargo further added: “National Air Cargo has established itself as a leading operator in the UAE, which is increasingly becoming an important logistics hub for the region, and our global experience has instilled a solid understanding of the benefits of integration with rail networks. The agreement with Etihad Rail is not only aligned with our growth strategy for the region, but it also allows us to contribute to the burgeoning logistics industry in the UAE.”
Headquartered in Western New York in the United States, National Air Cargo is a leading freight solutions provider that boasts an integrated, global network and a well-recognized reputation in airfreight. National Air Cargo offers bespoke airlift operations with various modeled aircraft and payload options as well as international passenger charters within the Middle East.
Upon completion, the Etihad Rail network, which will cater to both freight and passengers, will span approximately 1,200 kilometers across the Emirates. It will connect urban and peripheral communities, facilitate trade, open up communication channels and foster economic development across all Emirates in the UAE. The network will also form a vital part of the GCC railway network, linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west and Oman via Al Ain in the east.
