Eithad Airways sets up firm for precious cargo
Etihad Airways and Linfox-owned Armaguard Group have set up a new company to transport valuable goods around the globe.
ABU DHABI — Etihad Airways and Linfox-owned Armaguard Group have set up a new company to transport valuable goods around the globe.
The partnership will see Armaguard establish a presence in Abu Dhabi under its ACM brand — the name used as the international face of Australian Armaguard services — known in Abu Dhabi as ACM UAE.
Armaguard has become the dominant player in the Australian cash logistics, currency management and precious cargo markets and more recently in New Zealand under the ACM brand.
It was acquired by Linfox in 2003 and has the most comprehensive nation-wide coverage throughout Australia and New Zealand. “This new joint venture allows Etihad to enhance our growing global air freight business by leveraging the ground transport and security expertise of Armaguard to offer a new service across our global network” said Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer James Hogan.
He said that the ability to transport precious cargo including jewellery, precious stones, gold, and artworks is an important next step for our cargo business — particularly given Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a capital for arts and culture, with world-famous organisations like the Louvre and the Guggenheim in the pipeline.
“Clearly Etihad is building a significant presence in Australia, with several strong partnerships — including our game-changing alliance with the Virgin Blue Group — and bases established across the country,” Hogan said. Armaguard Managing Director Keith Broadhouse said the company was excited about expanding into the United Arab Emirates.
“Armaguard has been in New Zealand for some time under the international brand ACM and to be able to grow the ACM brand further is part of our international growth strategy,” he said.
“We have been looking at expanding beyond Australia and New Zealand for some time. Coupling our world’s best practise currency management model with the fastest growing five-star airline in the world will enable us to provide an outstanding service with superior reach.”
“This expansion is a good fit for both Etihad and ACM as it reinforces our comprehensive growth strategies over the next 3-5 years.”
“We look forward to a prosperous future with our new partner and the business opportunities this will present us with,” Broadhouse said.
Attending the announcement at Essendon Airport in Melbourne, the Victorian Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva congratulated both companies on the joint venture agreement.
“The Victorian Government welcomes this partnership which further strengthens our State as a regional leader in aviation services ranging from training and maintenance to airport design and management and now air freight security,” he said.
