Karachi, 16 June 2020 – Gerry’s dnata, the leading ground services provider in Pakistan, has successfully secured passenger flight handling business of Etihad Airways in Pakistan. starting 16th June 2020, Gerry’s dnata will handle daily flights from Karachi (KHI) whereas Lahore (LHE) and Islamabad (ISB) will transition towards the new service provider from 23rd June and 1st July, respectively.

While economic instability within global aviation industry prevails, the inclusion of passenger handling has been a welcoming move for Etihad Airways in sustaining its business in Pakistan. Back in 2017, Etihad Cargo, the fastest growing cargo division of Etihad Airways, sealed a long-term agreement with Gerry’s dnata to further grow its cargo foothold; benefitting from special product handling to key focus on temperature-controlled shipments.

“The pandemic has no doubt had a ubiquitous effect on every nation, and every industry, and it seems no sector is immune to its impact,” Raza said. “But through patience and persistence, it gives me great pleasure to say that in the end we emerged victorious.”

According to an announcement earlier this month from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines alone are expected to lose $84.3 billion in 2020. The report also stated that revenues are expected to fall by 50% to $419 billion as compared to $838 billion in 2019. Nevertheless, it would appear it is not all doom and gloom.

“Though the disruption has caused significant problems, it also presents us with an opportunity to sit back for a moment and take stock so that we can plan for a better tomorrow,” Raza added. “The pace of recovery cannot be predicted as yet, but what we can do is attempt to draw scenarios for demand and piece together a proactive strategy based on scenario planning.”

Etihad Airways is scheduled to operate 07 weekly flights from Karachi, 11 weekly flights from Lahore and 14 weekly flights from Islamabad. Gerry’s dnata in addition to Etihad’s Passenger and Cargo business, now handles more than 15 airlines from Pakistan.