EDA launches Internet shopping service

Exec Direct Aviation Services Limited (EDA), Jamaica's only all-cargo airline, has begun to diversify its product offering with a new online shopping and package and mail forwarding service.

The company recently launched what is described as 'ShipMe', a service that will provide clients with access to Internet shopping.

According to EDA's chief operating officer, Kamal Clarke, "ShipMe provides a superior product to other package forwarders in the market because we are able to integrate our own aircraft for transportation of our members' purchases from the USA to Jamaica."

"This allows for faster and more efficient delivery of purchases, since EDA has more frequent flights to the US and can adjust flight schedules to easily handle increases in demand," he said in a release this week.

ShipMe will compete with other players in the market such as MailPac, which has been expanding business in that area over the last two years.

Not only have existing players been expanding business, but the market has also seen new entrants.

APL Freight Limited, a small port business, in July created a new subsidiary, EZone Jamaica Limited, to offer its clients Internet shopping and delivery service in partnership with the Trinidadian company EZone International.

The size of the online shopping market in Jamaica is not known, but players said it has a strong growth potential.

EDA operates a Saab A340 aircraft with a four-ton or 8,000lb cargo capacity, at least 20 per cent of which the company said it intends to dedicate to ShipMe products.

ShipMe will offer members services such as clearing of their packages through customs, making online purchases for those who do not have US credit cards, and a dedicated website to manage their shipments.

In addition, ShipMe will offer a return-service protection coverage, which allows members to return electronic items purchased.

EDA, a family-owned business into which US$1.5 million or J$128.6 million was pumped at the start, already provides all-cargo services in and out of Fort Lauderdale, United States.

sabrina.gordon@gleanerjm .com