From KLM to Etihad Cargo: Andy Newbold on commercial strategy, odd cargo and logistics lessons

35 years of cargo experience meets Abu Dhabi capacity planning

After 35 years with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, Andy Newbold relocated to Abu Dhabi to take the helm of commercial operations at Etihad Vracht, a move that immediately affects slot allocation, freighter network planning and sales strategy across the Gulf and beyond. The appointment alters demand forecasts for AUH-linked lanes and has implications for belly-capacity optimisation on passenger services into Europe and North America.

Digitalisation, manual skills and commercial discipline

Newbold points to digitalisering as the biggest industry change — a shift that speeds booking, tracking and pricing but also risks eroding manual contingency skills in operations teams. For carriers and forwarders, the lesson is clear: invest in automation and keep a training programme for manual overrides, because systems fail and people still move the product. That’s not just corporate-speak; it’s a real operational risk when irregular operations pile up.

Unusual shipments and what they teach supply chains

From exotic automobiles to live sharks and museum-sized dinosaurs destined for Abu Dhabi’s Natural History Museum, these oddities highlight the need for bespoke handling procedures, cross-functional clearance teams and specialized warehousing. Moving a Batmobile is one thing; moving live animals or large museum exhibits demands veterinary certification, climate control, specialised pallets and often, bespoke insurance clauses.

Practical regulation idea: charge for no-shows

One tangible regulatory proposal Newbold raises is charging for booked but undelivered shipments or late cancellations — an approach similar to hotel no-show fees. In a high-utilisation market, this would free up capacity, discourage speculative bookings, and improve yield management. For freight forwarders and airlines, that could mean cleaner capacity allocation and fewer empty legs.

Human side of logistics: career path, life lessons and habits

He’s a proud father of four and admits the childhood dream oscillated between being an astronaut and driving a London Routemaster bus. Personal anecdotes like living in New York for four years and racing on tracks near the Yas Marina F1 Circuit in Abu Dhabi humanise a role that’s otherwise full of KPIs and Gantt charts.

Lessons, habits and a few guilty pleasures

• Business lesson: Address tough conversations early — delays compound problems and undermine trust.
• Hidden talent: Circuit driving; proximity to Yas Marina gives a practical outlet for stress.
• Guilty pleasure: The movie Pretty in Pink and a karaoke go-to of Oasis’ Wonderwall — hey, we all need downtime.

Three quick personal choices (and logistics echoes)

• Window seat — preference for visibility and planning; in logistics, visibility equals better exception management.
• Coffee over tea — small comforts matter in 24/7 operations.
• Bucket list: hike Antarctica — complicated travel plans are a reminder that logistics is about careful staging and contingency planning.

Operational anecdotes that translate into best practices

Stories of shipping rare cars or live animals serve as case studies for handling omvangrijk or sensitive freight: pre-move surveys, customised crating, end-to-end documentation and active communication with consignees are non-negotiable. These are not glamorous tasks, but they stop museum exhibits and aquaria from turning into logistics nightmares.

From uncle Ron to global commerce

Early entry into the industry came via an uncle, Ron Blackshaw, who worked in a KLM Cargo warehouse in London — a reminder that logistics careers often start on the warehouse floor. That foundation in hands-on operations is what sustains good commercial judgment later on; knowing how to load a pallet helps when negotiating network rates and capacity swaps.

Concise takeaways for logistics professionals

• Invest in digital tools but retain manual competencies for disruptions.
• Enforce booking discipline to reduce speculative capacity holds and improve yield.
• Design bespoke SOPs for unusual cargo types — from wildlife to oversized exhibits.
• Prioritise communication— early conversations prevent escalation and protect relationships.

Highlights: Newbold’s move to Etihad Cargo signals strategic commercial shifts for AUH-focused lanes, underlines the ongoing benefits and risks of digitalisation, and reminds the industry that unusual shipments require bespoke procedures and tight coordination. Despite detailed reviews and the most honest feedback, nothing replaces personal experience—seeing a Batmobile or a live shark in a warehouse teaches lessons no checklist can fully capture. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments; you’ll benefit from the platform’s transparency, convenience and broad choice of services. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com. Book your Ride GetTransport.com.com

Definitieve samenvatting

Andy Newbold’s transition from Air France KLM Martinair Cargo naar Etihad Vracht brings seasoned commercial insight to Abu Dhabi, with direct effects on cargo allocation, network strategy and the handling of complex shipments. His views on digitalisation, no-show fees for bookings, and the human facet of logistics underline a simple truth: modern shipping blends technology, discipline and experienced people. For shippers, forwarders and carriers, the operational implications touch freight booking, dispatch planning, pallet and container handling, and international customs clearance. Whether it’s a museum piece, a palletised shipment, a bulky vehicle or an urgent parcel, the mix of automation and experienced judgement keeps goods moving reliably. For practical, cost-effective transport and global freight options that match these needs, platforms like GetTransport.com simplify booking and execution across parcels, pallets, containers and full truckloads, helping make relocation, delivery and international shipping easier and more reliable.