CHAMP Cargosystems has welcomed several new Traxon Global Customs (TGC) and Traxon Global Security (TGS) customers from the Asia-Pacific region. The regional boom reflects the demand for software solutions that simplify regulatory compliance in lockstep with government bodies requesting more granular air cargo pre-loading and pre-arrival detail.
Existing CHAMP customers Biman Bangladesh, Korean Air, Sichuan Airlines and Vietnam Airlines have signed multi-year contracts for Traxon Global Security; a streamlined platform designed to help carriers manage their Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) filing.
TGS will enable customers to be fully compliant with numerous pre-loading security screenings including the European Union’s ICS2, the United States ACAS, the UK’s PreDICT, the UAE’s NAIC, and Canada’s PACT which is expected to become mandatory in Q4 of 2024.
This year has also seen Biman Bangladesh, Vietnam Airlines, China Southern, and China Cargo Airlines sign multi-year contracts for Traxon Global Customs. By leveraging CHAMP’s simplified reporting tool, airlines are equipped with streamlined information exchange with 60+ country customs authorities regardless of format, communications protocols or processing rules.
As companies in the Asia-Pacific market look for ways to streamline compliance, reduce errors, and eliminate tedious processes, CHAMP proactively updates Traxon Global Security and Traxon Global Customs in anticipation of new and emerging regulations.
By adopting these tools, these companies are able to automate PLACI filing and remain so that customs authorities have access to information compliance to reduce the possibility of penalties or errors associated with misfiling. Customers are now ready to meet the requirements of customs authorities in various markets.
Zeta Loo, Head of Commercial Operations for APAC at CHAMP Cargosystems said “Our customers in Asia Pacific have looked upon and entrusted CHAMP as a global IT supplier to help with their compliance needs. We are proud to support more efficient regulatory filing by providing a streamlined solution to meet both PLACI and ACI (Advance Cargo Information) compliance while they focus on other key activities running their businesses.”
Taiwanese airline EVA Air has become the first Asian carrier to adopt AeroSHARK technology, a drag-reducing film developed by Lufthansa Technik (LHT) and BASF. This move, announced on August 23, 2024, is part of EVA Air’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
AeroSHARK, modeled after sharkskin, consists of surface riblets about 50 micrometers thick, designed to reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency. The technology will be applied to EVA Air’s fleet of nine Boeing 777 freighters. The modification process, overseen by LHT and executed by EVA Air’s affiliate Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation (EGAT), began with the first aircraft already undergoing the change at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. The modified freighter is expected to return to service in early September.
Albert Liao, Executive Vice President of EVA Air’s Corporate Planning Division, stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with Lufthansa Technik in applying the fuel-saving AeroSHARK surface technology to our 777 freighters. This innovation not only reduces fuel consumption but also lowers CO2 emissions. EVA Air will continuously monitor the actual fuel-saving benefits and further evaluate additional aircraft to be equipped with this technology.”
The AeroSHARK modification is expected to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 1% per flight. For EVA Air’s nine 777Fs, this translates to an annual saving of more than 2,500 metric tons of kerosene and over 7,800 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
Dr. Wassef Ayadi, Senior Director of Customer Relations OEM & Special Engineering Services at Lufthansa Technik, commented, “EVA Air is well known for both its pioneering spirit and its technical expertise. We are proud that with AeroSHARK, we can provide international pioneers like EVA Air with a real quick-win measure to reduce the environmental footprint of their operations.”
Lufthansa Technik currently holds Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for AeroSHARK modifications on two types of Boeing 777. The technology is already in use on a double-digit number of aircraft globally, with plans to equip EVA Air’s entire 777 fleet by 2027. Lufthansa Technik and BASF are also working on expanding AeroSHARK’s applications to additional aircraft types and larger surface areas, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 3% in its maximum expansion stage.
Global supply chain solutions leader, AIT Worldwide Logistics, has announced the formation of a new artificial intelligence (AI) and data science team, a strategic move aimed at amplifying the company’s investment in data and setting the stage for future implementation of next-generation AI tools.
The new department, led by Patrick Chew, who has been appointed as vice president of AI and data science, is designed to further enhance AIT’s customer interface and data-driven operations.
“AIT is continually looking towards the future,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vaughn Moore. “With the establishment of the AI and data science team, the company is prepared to capitalize on generative AI, natural language processing, machine learning, large language models, and other advancing technologies.”
Patrick Chew, who brings over 25 years of experience in improving business intelligence, analytics, and data enablement for Fortune 500 companies, joined AIT in January 2024. Before AIT, he led Caterpillar’s enterprise data governance office. “Data is a common denominator that informs and impacts every aspect of the business,” said Keith Tholan, President and Chief Operating Officer of AIT. “Our investment in data enablement signals that data is an integral pillar of the organization, with the new AI and data science team working to enable a new era of dramatic growth for the company.”
The newly formed AI and data science group at AIT is comprised of three key teams:
Chew highlighted the ambitious goals of the initiative, stating, “Treating data as an asset involves rigorous efforts to reorganize and harness millions of inputs, which will be applied in meaningful ways to enhance business intelligence, boost efficiency, and spur innovation.” He added, “Ambitiously raising the bar for data quality and governance ultimately improves outcomes for stakeholders as we continue to earn our customers’ trust.”
“Our AI and data science initiative will further differentiate AIT with shippers and investors when compared to others in the freight forwarding industry,” Chew concluded.
Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) has introduced FedEx Surround®, an advanced solution designed to revolutionize logistics and supply chain management by enhancing shipment control and visibility. Initially available to customers in Hong Kong SAR and Singapore, FedEx Surround® will soon expand to other Asia-Pacific markets, including mainland China, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Korea, and Taiwan.
FedEx Surround® integrates seamlessly with FedEx’s existing transportation network, offering three levels of service: Select, Preferred, and Premium. This new suite of tools is tailored to support industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and high-tech by providing critical updates and interventions to ensure the integrity and timely delivery of sensitive shipments.
Key Features of FedEx Surround®:
FedEx Surround® leverages advanced sensor technology, including SenseAware ID, which uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit precise package location data every two seconds. This frequent data transmission, compared to traditional scanning protocols, allows FedEx to track packages hundreds of times, providing an unprecedented level of real-time visibility.
Kawal Preet, President of FedEx Asia Pacific, emphasized the impact of FedEx Surround®: “At FedEx, we are constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of our customers. FedEx Surround® is not just about tracking; it’s about smartly intervening in real-time to ensure that shipments are actively managed to mitigate risks. This solution is a game-changer for businesses relying on just-in-time delivery and high-stakes shipments.”
FedEx’s commitment to innovation is evident in the strategic use of AI and machine learning technologies within the FedEx Surround® system, which helps predict potential disruptions and enables swift, informed decision-making. The introduction of FedEx Surround® marks a significant advancement in how businesses manage logistics, providing enhanced visibility and control over their supply chains.
B&H Worldwide, a leading provider of aerospace and aviation logistics solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of FirstTRAC Mobile, the mobile version of its proprietary inventory management platform, FirstTRAC. Available to all existing customers, FirstTRAC Mobile offers an enhanced and convenient way to manage inventory activities directly from a smartphone.
FirstTRAC Mobile provides customers with the ability to track their static inventory located in B&H’s global warehouses, monitor orders in process, and follow detailed event-based transport progression. Additionally, customers can access transport documentation online, ensuring they have comprehensive oversight of their logistics operations.
“FirstTRAC Mobile is a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Paul Wakefield, Group Finance Director at B&H Worldwide. “This mobile application enables real-time access to crucial inventory and shipment information, facilitating more informed decision-making and streamlined logistics processes.”
Key features of FirstTRAC Mobile include:
“We are excited to introduce FirstTRAC Mobile as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our service offerings,” continued Paul Wakefield. “This new platform extends the functionality of our existing FirstTRAC system, aligning with our strategic vision of leveraging technology to provide superior logistics solutions to the aerospace and aviation industries.”
B&H Worldwide is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and innovative logistics solutions. The launch of FirstTRAC Mobile underscores this commitment, offering customers a powerful tool to manage their inventory and shipments more effectively.
American Airlines Cargo and cargo.one have expanded their global partnership to offer the carrier’s entire domestic cargo capacity on cargo.one’s leading digital air cargo booking platform. This development provides US freight forwarders with enhanced digital access to American Airlines Cargo’s extensive network, which includes over 115 destinations across the United States.
Effective immediately, thousands of US-based freight forwarders using cargo.one can now easily discover, quote, and book confirmed cargo capacity for American Airlines’ domestic flights and truck services. The integration ensures a seamless and efficient digital booking experience for the entire US market.
cargo.one’s platform, renowned for its user-friendly and high-quality marketplace, combined with American Airlines Cargo’s extensive network, offers forwarders a powerful tool for digital quoting and booking.
“Expanding our partnership with cargo.one is a key part of our digital distribution strategy,” said Greg Schwendinger, President of American Airlines Cargo. “This enhancement allows us to provide more digital options for our customers and extends our reach to thousands of additional forwarders.”
Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO of cargo.one, commented, “We are excited to integrate American Airlines Cargo’s comprehensive domestic network into our platform. This partnership combines American’s broad domestic services with cargo.one’s top-notch digital quoting and booking capabilities.”
Since its inception in 2021, cargo.one has been instrumental in American Airlines Cargo’s digital sales efforts. The partnership reflects a mutual commitment to advancing digital air freight solutions and improving booking efficiencies.
Freight forwarders on cargo.one can now access and book general cargo for US origins and destinations using American Airlines Cargo’s ConfirmedFS and ExpediteFS products.
Qatar Airways Cargo has introduced a groundbreaking “My Allotments” feature on its Digital Lounge portal, revolutionizing cargo booking with enhanced efficiency and user-friendliness.
As the world’s largest air cargo carrier, Qatar Airways Cargo continues to lead the industry with this innovative tool, offering customers a tailored allotment view and instant booking confirmations. The new feature allows users to book allotments directly through the Digital Lounge, preventing overbooking and facilitating easier tracking of available inventory for optimal shipment planning.
With just a few clicks, customers can quickly book and finalize their allotments. The Digital Lounge portal now provides a personalized experience, displaying upcoming allotments and real-time updates on available flight capacity. These improvements are part of Qatar Airways Cargo’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Digital Lounge experience, which already includes auto-confirmation for bookings, a 24/7 helpdesk, and advanced tracking and tracing capabilities.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, stated: “The ‘My Allotments’ feature underscores Qatar Airways Cargo’s commitment to leading the industry in technology and customer service. This enhancement not only streamlines the booking process but also demonstrates our dedication to digitalization and providing real-time solutions that boost efficiency and planning. We are proud to set a new benchmark in the cargo sector by focusing on our customers’ needs and feedback to continually refine their booking experience.”
CargoAi, the industry’s fastest-growing digital enabler, is excited to announce the launch of its newest innovative feature, the Shipper Quotation Module, on CargoMART. This latest addition provides small, medium, and large freight forwarders with a powerful tool to create and customize real-time quotations for their customers, significantly reducing the back-and-forth routine between procurement and sales teams.
Transforming the Quotation Process
In an industry where efficiency and accuracy are critical, CargoAi’s Shipper Quotation Module revolutionizes the way freight forwarders generate and manage quotations with their own clients.
The feature allows users to create detailed, real-time quotes tailored to their customers’ specific needs, streamlining the sales process and enhancing customer satisfaction. By integrating this module into CargoMART, CargoAi continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing comprehensive digital solutions that drive operational efficiency and business growth.
Key Benefits of the Shipper Quotation Module
A Commitment to Innovation and Excellence
CargoAi continues to set the benchmark for technological advancement in the freight industry. The Shipper Quotation Module is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing processes, offering a hassle-free experience for freight forwarders. This new feature underscores CargoAi’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art solutions that meet the evolving needs of its users.
“Our new Shipper Quotation Module represents a significant leap forward in our mission to digitize and simplify the air cargo booking process,” said Matt Petot, CEO of CargoAi. “By providing a tool that allows forwarders to create and customize real-time quotations, we are not only enhancing their operational efficiency but also empowering them to offer superior service to their customers. This is a game-changer for freight forwarders of all sizes.”
Singapore Airlines, a world-leading global carrier, is collaborating with IBS Software to co-develop a shipment record solution. This will make substantial strides in digitally transforming air cargo operations and advancing towards IATA’s ONE Record standards through the digitisation of shipment records and usage of technology.
The two companies, in conjunction with Cargo Community Network (CCN), have successfully completed the first phase of this plan that involves the creation and sharing of shipment records across airlines, cargo community system providers and ground handling agents on the ONE Record platform. CCN’s open data collaboration platform, CUBEforall, enhances data exchange and transparency, while seamlessly integrating legacy systems with ONE Record standards.This milestone was presented during the IATA ONE Record roadshow in Singapore on July 23, 2024.
Shipment records are one of the most frequently used documents in air cargo, forming the basis for all key processes in sales, planning and execution for organisations. Today, a single shipment results in multiple copies of shipment records across individual stakeholders, and the process of handling physical paper-based documents can be inefficient. Tapping on this new technology can help enhance overall operational efficiencies.
The digitisation of shipment records through ONE Record will enable Singapore Airlines to maintain a single source of truth, allowing the data to be utilised beyond the physical life cycle of shipments. This streamlined data exchange will facilitate transparency and visibility across reporting, revenue accounting and future planning for all stakeholders. From airline to shipper, IBS Software will increase the accessibility of shipment data for all partners in the air cargo supply chain.
Digital shipment records are fundamental for the future of digital cargo, providing a solution to address incompatible legacy systems, data duplication, and reduced data integrity. The successful implementation of the shipment record based on ONE Record lays the foundation for Singapore Airlines to implement more innovative use cases, to help enhance efficiencies.
Ashok Rajan, Head of Cargo and Logistics Solutions at IBS Software, added, “Partnering with Singapore Airlines, a globally recognised leader in aviation innovation, to drive the digital future of air cargo is a significant objective for IBS Software. In today’s cargo industry, data accessibility and transparency are paramount. Data and digitalisation are key enablers for the development of solutions that allow cargo carriers to grow and meet their customers’ evolving needs. We are proud to have the support of an industry pioneer like Singapore Airlines in enhancing accessibility and excellence in the digitalisation of air cargo.”
Marvin Tan, Senior Vice President Cargo at Singapore Airlines, said, “At Singapore Airlines, we continuously invest and innovate in all aspects of the business. By co-developing a digital shipment record solution with IBS Software, we remain committed to meeting IATA’s ONE Record’s goal for enhanced data visibility for all our stakeholders. This collaboration positions both organisations at the forefront of cargo digitalisation, as we unlock new efficiencies and business opportunities and respond to the evolving needs of the industry.”
Online air cargo booking portal WebCargo by Freightos has integrated digital insurance service Breeze onto the platform.
The integration will give WebCargo’s forwarder users the option of adding insurance when they make a booking.
“With this collaboration, freight forwarders will have instant access to an insurance quote when they place a booking, removing the need to source insurance separately and streamlining the entire process,” Breeze said in a press release.
The service will be available for forwarders in the US and UK.
“Forwarders rely on WebCargo to book hundreds of thousands of shipments every quarter,” said Manuel Galindo, chief revenue officer, Freightos.
“By partnering with outstanding companies like Breeze, we’re excited to add more services to our platform. This allows forwarders to focus on what matters most — customer relationships — rather than time-consuming pricing calls for services like insurance.”
Matthew Phillips, Breeze’s chief commercial officer, added: “Between 60% and 80% of global cargo is estimated to be un-or-under-insured. Our collaboration with Freightos empowers its customers to make informed decisions about insuring their cargo in a cost-effective and timely manner.”
“We are on a mission to digitise the cargo insurance process and we share Freightos’ vision to make international shipping faster, more cost-effective, embedded, and more reliable using a data-driven approach powered by technology.”
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