IATA World Cargo Symposium in Rome shows backlog
Progress is proving slow in automating the air freight business, air freight executives attending the IATA World Cargo symposium were told. Barely two-thirds of the airlines claiming membership to the IATA Cargo 2000 initiative (C2K) are consistently applying the procedures prescribed for higher quality and efficiency in the air freight sector. In the case of air freight forwarders, only seven out of twelve members are open to systematic monitoring and control methods in their operational business, according to statistics compiled by the worldwide association. Most air freight companies are not willing to integrate and invest, only a few forwarders are already profiting from the innovative technological potential offered by the market. It was shown in 2004 that outside pressure can sometimes get the ball rolling. For example, stricter security requirements led U.S. customs authorities to demand the adoption of electronic data communication for air freight documentation, triggering off a genuine push towards automation. A positive side effect is that the electronic air waybill (e-AWB) now has industry coverage of more than 50% in some markets. As an active member of the IATA e-freight initiative and the Cargo 2000 quality offensive, Traxon Europe is doing its utmost to promote wide acceptance of the automation of communications processes throughout the air freight industry. Quelle: Traxon |