Schiphol signs memorandum of understanding on e-freight with Changi Airport

E-freight is an IATA initiative and aims to replace paper with digital documents throughout the supply chain in air freight; at all levels from shippers, forwarders and export customs to carriers, import customs, forwarders and receivers. Normally each packet that is transported by air contributes about thirty documents with them. On an annual basis this method causes an amount of paper that can fill eighty Boeings 747 freighter. Undesirable and certainly not necessary. That’s why both Schiphol and Changi Airport support e-freight and have the intention to become a paperless air cargo hub.

Mr. Enno Osinga, Vice President Cargo of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: “Schiphol invest heavily in sustainability at Schiphol. Furthermore it’s our ambition to be Europe’s preferred airport; not only for passengers but also for cargo. Working paperless creates many benefits for all parties handling cargo in our market place, so we are convinced that implementation of e-freight will contribute substantially to realising our strategy and our ambition. But we will not be able do this alone. We need our local partners in the supply chain, and we need other airports to be able to create paperless trade lanes. That is why we are very excited about our understanding with Changi Airport.”

E-Freight@NL
Another important initiative to turn Amsterdam Airport Schiphol into a paperless cargo hub is the project E-freight@NL. In 2010 the project was awarded a € 1.2 million grant from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. With KLM Cargo as secretary, the project has participants that include various chain partners and Air Cargo Netherlands. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol plays a key role in strengthening relations with other major hubs involved in e-freight worldwide, such as Singapore and Hong Kong.

International Air Cargo Forum
This year, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the official host of the ACF 2010. At this three day event, the international air cargo and logistics industry meets to discuss challenges and opportunities in the industry. Companies get the opportunity to present their solutions to the field by showing their products, systems, services, technologies and facilities. Also there are networking events and possibilities for the attendants to meet one-on-one. There are approximately 5,000 visitors expected.

Cargo at Schiphol
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the third largest airport in Europe in terms of cargo, and number sixteen in the world. At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol passenger-related revenue is higher than the freight-related, but air makes a significant contribution to the development of the Dutch economy. In 2009, 1,286,372 tons of cargo transported via Schiphol. In the chain of companies at Schiphol has engaged in air, such as handling, air cargo carriers, truckers and logistics providers are more than 26,000 employees.

Quelle: Schiphol