CIRTA demonstrates SME role in Etihad supply chain

The agreement was recently signed at the Etihad Airways Centre in Abu Dhabi by Robert Webb, Etihad’s chief information & technology officer, and Abdulla Al Shammari, CIRTA’s CEO.
“CIRTA’s software will be tailored to Etihad Airways’ unique specifications and will significantly improve the crew transportation routes for travel to Abu Dhabi airport,” Webb said.
“The automatic optimisation system will analyse flight departure times for the crew, identify their locations in Abu Dhabi, schedule pick-up time and produce an optimised transportation route.
“This will increase the efficiency in the transport management system and decrease the number of buses needed. The system will deliver an ideal one-stop solution that will help reduce transportation costs, lower fuel usage, and lower CO2 emissions.”
Abdullah Al Darmaki, CEO of Khalifa Fund, said: “By awarding contracts to Khalifa Fund members, Etihad Airways is supporting the growth of the UAE, improving standards of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), and encouraging competition in the market.
“Government and semi-government entities should follow this example and give SMEs support and encouragement to enable them to play their role in the development of the national economy.”
Etihad Airways’ procurement department also hosted a workshop to familiarise more than 70 Khalifa Fund members with the airline procurement procedures.
Adil Al-Mulla, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Procurement and Supply Management, said: “The workshop introduced Khalifa Fund entrepreneurs to our business which will increase their opportunities to bid for further contracts with the airline.”

PICTURED at the signing : Robert Webb and Abdulla Al Shammari  shake on the deal, watched by (Back row L-R) Chris Youlten, Etihad SVP network operations, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Khalifa Fund and Etihad’s Adil Al Mulla.