A new loyalty program for freight forwarders called CargoConnect has been introduced into the mark place by Etihad Cargo. This is a free mileage earning program that rewards companies for every booking made with the UAE cargo operator.

Built on a similar platform to the award-winning Etihad Guest frequent flyer program, CargoConnect is targeted at the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) segment of the global cargo business.

The program allows CargoConnect members to earn Etihad Guest Miles for net revenue paid on Etihad Cargo, and some of the benefits include being able to redeem miles for flights, upgrades, or chose from more than 6,000 items in the Etihad Guest Rewards Shop.

From today, registered CargoConnect members will earn 1 Etihad Guest Mile for every US$2 net revenue paid as general cargo, and 4 Etihad Guest Miles for every US$2 net revenue paid as premium cargo.

Customers can register online at www.etihadcargo.com, and for those doing so before June 30, 2013, a bonus gift of 5,000 Etihad Guest Miles will be credited to their new CargoConnect account.

Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said:  “Introducing a smart and rewarding loyalty scheme for SME cargo customers is another excellent example of how Etihad Cargo continues to reward its customers and drive added value.”

CargoConnect is open to freight forwarders without agreements already in place with Etihad Cargo.