• Company focuses on developing human capital
• Report rated A+ by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
• Sustainability results to be integrated into company’s annual report in subsequent years

Aramex_Sustainability_Report_Cover

Dubai, September 4, 2010: Demonstrating its long-term commitment to sustainable business practices, Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced the release of its third Sustainability Report for the year ending 2009.

The report, titled “Delivering on Emerging Opportunities,” presents the company’s ongoing sustainable practices and future goals, and evaluates the progress achieved on economic, social and environmental commitments in 2009.

In addition to featuring new initiatives undertaken by the company, the report highlights a multitude of achievements covering a wide range of sustainability issues, among them:

• Developing Human Capital: Aramex’s workforce has grown to comprise 81 nationalities in 46 countries, with women occupying 15% of management positions. Aramex also continued investing in its main areas of priority - education and youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, community development, sports, emergency relief, and the environment through working hand in hand with organizations such as Injaz Al Arab, Future Generation Foundation (FGF) and Ruwwad (www.ruwwad.org).  
• Stakeholder Engagement: expanding outreach through new interactive channels including a new website (aramex.org), social media presence, and enhanced internal communication tools.
• Environmental Preservation: migrating 78 per cent of fleet to low emission vehicles, reducing fuel consumption by 21 per cent, and converting all Aramex vehicles to unleaded fuel.
• Quality and Safety: acquiring ISO14001 and OHSAS1800 certifications, in eight and eleven Aramex locations, respectively.

“We are pleased to share this 2009 report, as part of our ongoing exercise in reporting on our practices, measuring our economic, environmental, and social performance and continuously learning along the way. As of next year, we are shifting into integrated reporting, further highlighting the inseparable role of sustainability in our operations, performance, and strategic direction” said Fadi Ghandour, Aramex founder and CEO.

“Our sustainability report has been rated A+ for the second consecutive time by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and we have also acquired an independent third party audit from Ernst & Young,” said Raji Hattar, Aramex Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer.

Aramex 2009 Sustainability Report can be accessed at www.aramex.org 

• Revenues rise 15% to AED 557 million with strong growth across all key markets and products
• Net profit margin at 10% for second quarter
• Well-positioned for future expansion in Africa, Southeast Asia, CIS

Fadi Ghandour, Aramex founder and CEO

Dubai, July 25, 2010: Aramex (DFM: ARMX), the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced its second quarter earnings for the three months ending June 30, 2010. The company reported net profits of AED 55 million, a 10% increase over the AED 50 million posted in the corresponding period of 2009. Net profits for the first half of 2010 stood at AED 102 million, growth of 10% over the AED 93 million achieved in the first six months of 2009.

For the second consecutive quarter, company revenues witnessed double-digit growth, reaching AED 557 million, a rise of 15% from the AED 485 million registered in the same period of 2009. These results were mainly due to an increase of business across the company’s operations and strong growth in freight services in Europe and India. Building on the solid performance achieved in the first quarter of 2010, the company also achieved a high net profit margin of 10% in the second quarter as it continued to focus on operational cost efficiency.

“These solid figures meet our expectations for this quarter, and are very much in line with historically strong performances across all levels of operations,” said Fadi Ghandour, Aramex founder and CEO. “Supported by our strong cash position, we remain focused on investing and expanding in emerging markets such as those in Africa, Southeast Asia and the CIS countries,” Ghandour added.

Aramex also continued, in the second quarter of 2010, to deliver on its commitments to the environment and communities, expanding its partnership agreement with UNICEF in the GCC. Among other initiatives and activities, Aramex released its second sustainability report in April 2010, outlining the company’s progress and highlighting steps to accelerate the adoption of sustainability practices.

• Program involves training staff in environmentally friendly practices; launched in Jordan, to be rolled out across global network
• Aimed at instilling commitment to environment and community among global workforce

Dubai, June 16, 2010: In line with its long-term commitment to sustainability, Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced the launch of its Green Champions program, which provides training to staff in environmentally friendly practices at the workplace and at home. The program, which was launched recently at the company’s Global Support Office in Amman, Jordan, will be rolled out across Aramex’s worldwide network.

The training program has been developed in partnership with Terra Vertis, an Amman-based consulting firm specialising in corporate sustainability and responsibility solutions and strategies. Aramex has developed a special module for the program, with on-ground support from Terra Vertis.

The first group of employees, including 22 members of staff from the Global Support Office and Amman station, has already been trained in the module. These employees will, in turn, provide training to other Aramex staff based on their learning from this unique program.

“As the name of this program suggests, our aim is to create Green Champions across our global workforce,” said Raji Hattar, Aramex Chief Sustainability Officer. “These Green Champions will themselves become ambassadors for Aramex’s diverse sustainability initiatives, training other employees in environmentally friendly practices and contributing to greener and more sustainable communities in all the markets we serve.

“At Aramex, we have long demonstrated our commitment to best practice environmentally friendly business practices,” he added. “Through the Green Champions program, we are taking a further step in this regard by developing brand ambassadors who will demonstrate our values across their day-to-day activities.

“We are delighted to support Aramex in this unique initiative to sensitize individuals towards the environment,” said Salah Tayeh, CEO, Terra Vertis. “As a company, we are constantly looking for partners who can join us in creating greener and more sustainable communities. I am glad to note here that Aramex has always stood out for its accomplishment in this regard. Through the Green Champions initiative, we hope to create a movement that eventually touches the community at large, with Aramex and ourselves serving as catalysts. We are encouraged by the response to the first session and eagerly look forward to spreading this movement across the Aramex network.”

The Green Champions program is just one of several sustainability and community initiatives that Aramex will launch in 2010. The company was recently recognised for its exceptional contribution to the area of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Supply Chain & Transport Awards 2010, which were recently held in Dubai.

Dubai, June 9, 2010: In line with its long-term commitment to social development and sustainability, Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced an expansion of its existing collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), further supporting the organization’s logistical requirements in the Gulf. 

As part of the new agreement, Aramex will expand the scope of its current express arrangement to include free-of-charge service for all outbound domestic and international consignments of UNICEF’s Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Dubai offices. Aramex will also handle delivery of UNICEF’s card orders within the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as well as inbound delivery of cards from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to Dubai.

“Over the years, Aramex has built a strong and successful relationship with UNICEF, one that is founded on a shared commitment to social development and sustainability” said Hussein Hachem, Aramex Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East and Africa. “The extension of our collaboration with UNICEF is in recognition of these common goals, and in our belief that we can accomplish a lot more through sustained and closer engagement.”

The new agreement also includes continued partnership on UNICEF’s ongoing greeting card program, aimed at raising funds for social development. As part of this partnership, Aramex will fulfill all logistical requirements, including promotion, transportation and distribution of the UNICEF greeting cards program for 2010 across its Gulf network.  Additionally, Aramex will provide UNICEF with free outreach to its corporate customer database in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Nearly 60 per cent of UNICEF’s regional card sales in 2009 came from Aramex’s customer database.

Dr. Ayman Abu Laban, UNICEF Representative in the Gulf said: “The support of a strong partner, such as Aramex, has been crucial to the success of our initiatives in support of the children of the region. The nature of UNICEF’s operations means that our requirements are often time-sensitive and necessitate excellent reach to the citizens of the region who are likely to support UNICEF’s action to promote children rights.

UNICEF is present in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.  As the world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for students, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS.  UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

• Named top performer in “Best Quality Assurance Program” and “Best Small Outsource Provider” categories
• Recognition highlights commitment to world-class quality management and customer service excellence

Dubai, June 8, 2010: In line with its commitment to world-class quality management and customer service excellence, Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced that it had won two top honors at the Middle East Call Centre awards, held recently in Dubai. Against stiff competition from leading regional companies, Aramex was adjudged the top performer in the category of “Best Quality Assurance Program” and “Best Small Outsource Provider.”

“The recognition at the Middle East Call Centre awards is a validation of the efforts and commitment we have invested in creating a world-class quality management program and placing customers at the core of our business practices,” said Hussein Hachem, Aramex Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East and Africa. “At Aramex, our operating guidelines are informed by a sound understanding of evolving customer needs and values. This approach is in line with our objective of building a customer-focused infrastructure that supports the provision of customized service to each customer, while empowering frontline staff to optimise process and technology to drive productivity.  

“Despite the complexities of an expanding network, the quality of our customer service and management of operational performance remains our unique strength. I’d like to commend our staff for their continuing application and creativity in this regard, and look forward to further enhancing our operating framework over the next year,” said Hachem.

The “Outsourcing Service” provided by the Aramex Call Centre has been instrumental in its customers achieving the highest standards of customer service, while managing to reduce operating costs and overheads at the same time. This track record of success endorsed by the growing ranks of satisfied customers has been recognised through the second award given to Aramex for the “Best Small Outsource Provider”.

The Middle East Call Centre Awards event was organised and hosted by INSIGHTS, the regional customer interaction thought leader and was attended by senior executives of leading organisations from across the region. Now in its fifth year, the Middle East Call Centre Awards recognizes the top regional performers in customer service and process management across 20 categories.

Company also recognized for commitment to CSR and excellence in 3PL service

Dubai, June 7, 2010: Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced that the company has been named the Express Logistics Provider of the Year and winner of the Outstanding Achievement of the Year award at the Supply Chain & Transport Awards 2010, recently held in Dubai.

In addition, Aramex was recognised for its exceptional performance in a range of other categories, including winning second place in the Corporate Social Responsibility and 3PL Service Provider of the Year categories.

“We are very grateful to the organizers and panel of judges of the Supply Chain & Transport Awards for naming Aramex as the Express Logistics Provider of the Year,” said Iyad Kamal, Aramex Chief Operating Officer. “Aramex has been recognised for both the strength of its business operations as well as the vital contribution we make through a wide range of CSR initiatives and activities, which reflects our holistic commitment to sustainability. These awards are therefore a validation of our strategy and a testament to the dedication of our talented, hardworking staff, with whom we share these honours.”

Established in 2007, the Supply Chain & Transport Awards recognise excellence in 16 categories covering the logistics, sea freight and air cargo sectors. Following an online shortlisting process, winners are selected by a prestigious panel of experts from across the Middle East logistics industry.

Amman, Jordan, February 9, 2010: Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, announced today that its Chief Operating Officer Osama Fattaleh has resigned to pursue personal business interests. Iyad Kamal, a veteran of 18 years at Aramex will take over as Chief Operating Officer. Fattaleh will remain with Aramex till the end of April 2010.

“I have reluctantly and sadly accepted Osama’s resignation, but I understand his decision and I stand by him,” said Fadi Ghandour, Founder and CEO, Aramex. “Other than his great contributions to the company and its development over the years, Osama is a friend and a trusted colleague, we will all miss him.”

“After long deliberations and discussions with Fadi, I am sad to be leaving Aramex,” Fattaleh said. “I had a very productive 23 years with the company, and I am proud to have contributed to its growth and development. I leave with great confidence that the company is on solid grounds, having delivered excellent results in 2009 and is set to continue in its path of expansion. I am also very happy to have Iyad Kamal take over as COO, who is a very capable veteran of the company.”

Kamal has been part of the Aramex team since 1991 and has served as Chief Logistics Officer for the past three years. Prior to his latest position, Kamal served the company in numerous capacities including Vice President - Logistics and Ground Services, General Manager Logistics, and Express Product and Quality Manager.

“Iyad comes into this new post with an ideal set of skills and experience, and I have no doubt that he will build on Osama’s achievements” remarked Ghandour.

On his part, Fattaleh remarked that he is looking forward to walking down the path of entrepreneurship, which Aramex has always believed in and advocated for. “For years, we at the company have talked about supporting entrepreneurship. Today, I have decided to walk that talk while utilising all the knowledge I have acquired over the years working with Aramex and in the industry,” Fattaleh said.

• Aramex emerges from fourth quarter with healthy revenues
• Full year profit growth driven by improvement in net profit margins
• Company maintains strong cash position of AED 502 million as of December 31,2009, coupled with very low debt

Fadi Ghandour, Founder and CEO, Aramex

Dubai, January 30, 2010: Aramex (DFM: ARMX), the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2009, and consolidated results for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2009.

Net profits for the fourth quarter of 2009 surged to AED 49.5 million, from AED 38.8 million, a 28% growth from the corresponding period in 2008.

On the revenue side, Aramex was able to weather the financial crisis and emerge at the end of the fourth quarter in a healthy position. Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 reached AED 524.8 million, a 5% increase over AED 500.5 million in revenues posted for the same period in 2008. The fourth quarter was the first quarter in 2009 to witness positive revenue growth, marking a bottoming out of the preceding revenue decline.

Aramex continues to maintain a very healthy balance sheet with a cash balance of AED 502 million as of December 31, 2009, coupled with an extremely low debt-to-equity ratio of 1.4%. Aramex’s strong cash position is ideally placed to support the company’s development and expansion plans for 2010. 

Aramex’s fourth quarter results concluded a year marked with impressive performance despite the volatile economic conditions. Even though full year revenues for 2009 dropped by 6% to AED 1,961 million, compared to AED 2,080 million for 2008, the year still witnessed a 25% growth in net profits to reach AED 184.3 million, compared to AED 147.3 million for 2008. This growth was driven by a substantial improvement in net profit margins, which surged from 7.1% in 2008 to 9.4% in 2009, reflecting the adaptability of Aramex’s asset-light business model and its ability to quickly implement cost-control programs.

“Throughout 2009, we were consistent in delivering solid performance while maintaining our employee base and without the need to restructure,” Fadi Ghandour, founder and CEO of Aramex remarked. “Our performance is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and hard work of our people who went out there as a team to reinforce Aramex’s position in the market, negotiate favorable deals with suppliers, innovate new solutions, and create lasting partnerships with our customers.”

Ghandour added: “In 2010, we will continue to broaden our investments and expansion in emerging markets such as those in Africa, Southeast Asia and CIS countries by partnering with strategic local companies, as we did recently in Sri Lanka and Oman. We will also remain focused on strengthening our capabilities in third party logistics services to meet the increasing demand as outsourcing trends continue in our core markets.”

Along with improving its financial and operational performance, Aramex will continue to pursue initiatives that fulfill its sustainability commitments in 2010. These include adopting environmentally-friendly practices in its operations, actively engaging in community development and partnering with institutions to foster an entrepreneurial environment in which youth and SMEs can thrive.

“As a major logistics player in the region, we have a strategic interest in being a facilitator of trade and business, including E-Commerce, especially among SMEs and startups. Leveraging the growth of entrepreneurial entities is intertwined with Aramex’s success,” Ghandour concluded. 

• Official global distributor; delivers SPL merchandise for online shoppers anywhere in world

• Initiative underlines Aramex’s support of sports

Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced that it has become the sole global distributor of Saudi Professional League (SPL) 2009-2010 merchandise. Fans ordering their favourite team-branded caps, jerseys, Read the full story

• AED 120 million Aramex Logistics Centre due for completion in Q1 2011; total built-up area to exceed 43,000 sqm

• Green facility in line with Aramex’s environmental sustainability strategy

• Facility located in close proximity to upcoming air cargo hub at Dubai World Central community

Pictured here (from left to right): Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai World Central; Fadi Ghandour, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Aramex; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai City of Aviation Corporation - Dubai World Central; Hussein Hachem, CEO-Gulf, Aramex

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai City of Aviation Corporation - Dubai World Central, Read the full story