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GLOBAL NEWSTodd PigeonCoral Gables, Florida, USA: PayCargo says it processedmore than USD10 billion of freight-related payments in2021, a 250 percent increase from 2020.In June, PayCargo announced a Series B investment ofUSD125 million by global venture capital and private equityfirm Insight Partners, which is being utilized to fuel digitalpayment tools and services for platform users.The Series B investment came nine months after a Series Ainvestment for USD35 million also by Insight Partners.The fintech leader has also announced the appointment ofTodd Pigeon as Vice President – Sales over the NorthAmerican East Coast Region further accelerating the growthof the company’s online payment platform.Pigeon will be based at PayCargo’s global headquarters inPayCargo processed record $10 billionfreight-related payments in 2021Coral Gables, Florida, USA, from where he will lead a regional teamfocused on both payer and vendor business development in the NorthAmerican East Coast Region.Pigeon brings global experience within the AP Moller Maersk Group,spanning commercial leadership roles throughout Latin America,China, Europe, and, most recently, the United States, including the roleof Chief Commercial Officer at Sealand, a Maersk Company.“PayCargo is an exciting, fast-scaling, multi-modal ecosystem whereany business from across the logistics industry can pay all of theirproviders instantly, and at no cost receive payments through oneplatform,” said Pigeon.“With the PayCargo system, customers do not have to worry aboutcostly outdated payment processes such as requesting and trackingbank check deliveries, managing cash, and time-consuming creditapplication, which can also be costly. This is a unique valueproposition that I think is critical for the future of the logistics industry,and which attracted me to this role.”PayCargo’s vision to transform the logistics industry paymentslandscape, is leading the way to facilitate a modern, cost-effective,and sustainable future for industry stakeholders across the valuechain."We are focused on supporting the ongoing digitisation of theindustry and ensuring we are part of a sustainable future," saidEduardo Del Riego, PayCargo Chief Executive Officer.“We have experienced incredible growth as our users continue toshare in our vision for a more efficient and streamlined supply chain. Inorder to sustain this level of growth and continue our best-in-classservice to our clients, it is imperative that we have the right talent inplace to help us achieve our ambitious objectives. Todd is a strategicappointment that will certainly help us to get this done.”Etihad Cargo launches foreverhome for animal rescuesAbu Dhabi, UAE: Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of the EtihadAviation Group, has launched Forever Home, to support not-for-profit liveanimal at risk transportation. The new policy enables the UAE’s nationalcarrier to consider requests from bona fide rescue and animal welfareorganizations for not-for-profit transportation of animals at risk.“Forever Home reflects Etihad Cargo’s desire to assist in the relocation oflive animal rescue missions, which may involve animals which have beenabandoned, seized by authorities, or neglected, and can range fromdomestic animals to endangered species under CITES and the IUCN RedList– the multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals,” saidMartin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales and Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group.Forever Home significantly expands Etihad Cargo’s existing animal welfareand conservation policy, which commits to identifying and implementingactions to help prevent the illegal wildlife trade and encourage responsiblesustainable tourism.“As one of the first airlines to sign the United for WildlifeTransport Taskforce Declaration, Etihad Cargo has astrong track record in animal welfare,” said Drew.“Forever Home expands that commitment to cover allanimals – whether they are pets, racehorses, or exoticspecies. All rescue requests will be subject to duediligence and, if approved, the rescue organisations orindividuals can be assured of specialised animaltransportation at the best possible rate.”Etihad Cargo’s dedicated LiveAnimals and SkyStablesproducts provide customised solutions for transportinganimals and horses, from family pets to globalconservation projects. Adhering to all regulatoryrequirements, Etihad Cargo ensures the safesttreatment of all species entrusted in its care withdedicated handling, pallet build-up, and ramp transportby specially trained staff.The launch of the policy further strengthens the nation’scommitment to the protection of animals, after highlyrespected Emirati conservationist and managingdirector of the Mohamed bin Zayed SpeciesConservation Fund, and managing director ofEnvironment Agency Abu Dhabi, H.E Razan Al Mubarak,was elected President of the Union for Conservation ofNature (IUCN) in September 2021.17AirCargoUpdate