Nallian has integrated payment platform PayCargo into its cargo slot management system to help speed up the process of picking up cargo from airports.
The partnership means that freight forwarders and trucking firms can book a pick-up slot from handlers using the Nallian Truck Visit Management System and the PayCargo system will manage all payments and transactions related to the import cargo.
The companies said this means that upon arrival, drivers no longer have to wait to make payments and can immediately proceed to the dock door assigned to them.
“This integrated approach enhances operational efficiency, enables faster cargo release, and reduces paperwork and administration,” the companies claimed.
Eduardo Del Riego, chief executive of PayCargo, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Nallian to offer an integrated solution that addresses the evolving needs of the air cargo industry. By combining our expertise, we enable our customers to streamline truck visits, accelerate payments, and achieve greater success.”
Nallian chief executive Jean Verheyen added: “We are committed to driving innovation and delivering value to our customers. Our collaboration with PayCargo represents a strategic alignment of our shared vision to raise the bar for efficient, paperless freight management.
“It will allow our customers to better coordinate activities so they increase efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.”
The use of slot booking systems has been on the rise in recent years as companies look to reduce waiting times by spreading cargo pick-ups more evenly throughout the week and by giving the handler more information to prepare cargo.
The latest firm to implement the Nallian system was Menzies at its LAX facility in February of this year.
ASL Aviation Holdings has placed an order for 30 units of the Reliable Robotics autonomous flight system for the Cessna 208B Caravan.
The deal secures early delivery slots. ASL and Reliable have been working together since 2022 to bring advanced automation and remote piloting into ASL’s operations and have a shared goal of expanding the program to include additional aircraft types in the next 12 months.
“We are constantly developing and upgrading our capabilities to match and anticipate our customers’ requirements. Automating the Caravan with Reliable’s technology will enable ASL to deliver safe and reliable air cargo transport services at a lower operating cost to our express freight, postal and e-commerce retailer customers,” said ASL Aviation Holdings director Hugh Flynn.
ASL Aviation Holdings specializes in wet lease airline operations for major express freight, postal and e-commerce companies. The ASL group consists of eight airlines based in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, operating over 160 aircraft.
Reliable Robotics is an original member of ASL’s CargoVision forum of next-generation companies involved in pioneering new aviation and propulsion technologies.
“ASL and Reliable will work together to deliver automated air cargo services for the largest global buyers of air cargo capacity, in turn providing more goods to more people in more places. This will start with the Cessna C208B Caravan, and then we intend to bring advanced automation to a range of aircraft to meet industry needs,” said Myles Goeller, chief business Officer at Reliable Robotics.
The technology company said its autonomous flight system fully automates an aircraft through all phases of operation including taxi, takeoff, and landing, enabling it to be operated by a remote pilot in a ground control station.
Reliable explained its system is aircraft agnostic and utilizes multiple layers of redundancy and advanced navigation technology to improve safety and achieve the levels of integrity and reliability necessary for uncrewed flights.
The company added its system will help prevent controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and loss of control in flight (LOC-I), which account for most fatal aviation accidents.
Singapore Airlines has placed its cargo capacity on online booking and payment platform WebCargo to expand its booking options and reach more customers.
The partnership connects Singapore Airlines to thousands of freight forwarders that use WebCargo’s real-time air cargo pricing and booking options.
Meanwhile, WebCargo’s users gain additional access to Asia Pacific destinations, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Coverage on the platform is slated to increase over the course of the year.
WebCargo’s deal with Singapore Airlines is a major step forward in its plan to extend its reach in the Asia-Pacific region.
Digital bookings for shipments from Asia origins on Freightos-owned WebCargo more than doubled between the fourth quarter of 2022 and the fourth quarter of 2023.
Marvin Tan, senior vice president cargo, Singapore Airlines, said: “Singapore Airlines’ partnership with WebCargo expands our reach to new markets, and provides our customers with a seamless user experience when they search, book, and track their shipments in real time. This enables us to better serve our customers by responding even more swiftly to their evolving needs.”
Manel Galindo, chief revenue officer of Freightos, added: “We’re thrilled to work with Singapore Airlines. Their commitment to digital innovation aligns perfectly with WebCargo’s mission to provide seamless and efficient booking solutions for the air cargo industry and allows us to double down on the recent surge in bookings from Asia.
“This collaboration will enhance the booking experience for thousands of freight forwarders and will ultimately make world trade smoother.”
Singapore Airlines has a fleet of seven Boeing 747-400 freighters and over 190 Singapore Airlines and Scoot passenger aircraft serving more than 120 destinations.
Last month, WebCargo launched a new tool predicting whether airfreight rates will rise or fall to help airlines and forwarders plan for the future. The Volatility Index predicts trade lane rate trends by mining the airfreight data generated by WebCargo.
IGL Logistics has boosted the number of shipments it insures for customers by 81 percent after digitizing its cargo insurance processes while working with tech partner Breeze.
The U.S.-based global freight forwarder has automated and optimized most aspects of the insurance process, including quote generation, policy binding, and claims processing, by using Breeze’s platform, which integrates with IGL Logistics’ shipping booking workflow.
“The integration with Breeze underscores IGL Logistics’ commitment to providing cargo coverage that protects against a wide range of risks, to ensure we deliver a holistic service for our customers,” said Misty Vogel, C.F.O. / Executive Vice President of IGL Logistics.
“Digitizing the cargo insurance process enhances operational efficiency and means that we can quickly provide comprehensive, customer-driven, and cost-effective coverage for our customers.”
Breeze is a fully automated, digital insurance solution, providing instant all-risk cargo coverage in a way that is fully embedded in existing operational workflows.
“We are on a mission to improve the outdated and inefficient methods of purchasing and distributing cargo insurance prevalent in the traditional insurance industry,” said Eyal Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer, Breeze.
“By embracing a data-driven approach, Breeze’s platform empowers IGL Logistics to offer insurance to their customers that includes a wider array of cargo protection than their standard business coverage would.”
Between 60 and 80 percent of global cargo is un-or-under-insured with an estimated 30 percent of global shipments experiencing some form of loss or damage during transit while without adequate insurance coverage.
“Without insurance, businesses can be left facing substantial financial losses, operational disruptions, and potential reputational damage,” said Goldberg.
“Digitizing the insurance process ensures there are cost-effective, speedy solutions available to preserve the customer’s cargo and the relationship between them and their freight forwarder.”
This latest partnership reflects Breeze’s broader mission to improve outdated and inefficient methods of purchasing and distributing cargo insurance prevalent in the traditional insurance and logistics industry.
CargoAi has launched a new feature designed to make the process of finding and securing available spot cargo easier and more efficient.
The Air Freight Load Board enables airlines to access a database of available freight, plus detailed cargo specifications, directly in their CargoMART Airline App.
This new feature focuses on search functionality by allowing users to browse through a wide range of available freight listings, tailored to specific preferences and requirements.
It also offers real-time updates on available cargo, enhanced market visibility to enable carriers to make informed decisions and optimise their operations, and direct connections with the right contacts, eliminating the need for intermediary communication and accelerating the booking process.
“At CargoAi, we are committed to driving innovation and delivering unparalleled value to our customers,” said Matt Petot, chief executive at CargoAi.
“With the launch of the Air Freight Load Board, we complete our value proposition allowing forwarders to manage spot requests across airlines, previously available, and now giving the airlines the ability to proactively find these opportunities – continuing our mission to revolutionize the way businesses connect and secure cargo, empowering them to find and win more volume with greater ease and efficiency than ever before.”
The CargoMART Airline App comes with a full market analysis dashboard provides insights on the market conditions, helping local sales to adjust their sales and pricing strategy.
Delta Cargo has expanded its offering on online booking platform WebCargo by Freightos to include more destinations and products.
The airline added its general cargo product and tariff fares to the platform in 2020, but this has now been extended to include the carrier’s global network out of the US as well as its DASH Heavy for urgent individual shipments for the US domestic market and general freight and express heavy products for US exports.
WebCargo said that its users would now have access to more than 250 destinations served by Delta.
Meanwhile, Delta Cargo is also putting its capacity on Freightos’ US truck portal 7LFreight so customers can book less-than-truckload services and also flights.
Freightos chief executive Zvi Schreiber said: “The combination of global and domestic air cargo, particularly in the US, is a game-changer for more efficient global trade.
“7LFreight by Freightos already offers digital booking of domestic US LTL trucking, and today we’re excited to offer instant transparent booking of air cargo from the US across Delta Air Lines’ global network.”
Brennan O’Dowd, chief executive of 7LFreight by Freightos, added: “Our client base consists largely of US-based freight forwarders. Not only does Delta Cargo’s presence on 7LFreight allow it to reach our extensive user base directly, it also greatly simplifies the booking process for 7LFreight users.”
Freightos said that the number of bookings registered by Delta Cargo via WebCargo has recently increased by three times year on year.
Hong Kong cargo handler Hactl is aiming to introduce Autonomous Electric Tractors (AETs) to its ramp operations later this year as it looks to combat an ongoing recruitment challenge.
The handler has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Westwell Holdings to collaborate on the introduction of the vehicles.
As well as towing dollies, the AETs will also automatically couple and uncouple and adjust to their differing specifications.
The AETs will be progressively integrated into Hactl’s current driver-controlled tractor fleet once testing and final on-site tuning and mapping to Hactl’s specific requirements are completed.
They will initially tow loaded import ULDs on a 1 km route between the outdoor ULD staging area and the main terminal ULD system intake deck of SuperTerminal 1.
“AETs will be used on longer and more complex routes in due course,” Hactl said.
The handler explained that one of the main reasons for deploying AET’s is the ongoing challenge of recruitment faced by the airport industry.
Hactl chief executive Wilson Kwong explained: “Recruitment for airport-related work and particularly airside work is becoming ever more challenging.
“This means we must utilise our available workforce as efficiently as possible and deploy them on those duties which make best use of their experience, skills and abilities.
“After extensive investigation and research, we believe that the work of operating towing tractors over set routes should now be feasible using the latest autonomous vehicle technology and that this can be achieved without compromising safety.
“Although driverless vehicles are becoming established technology, Hactl is enhancing the concept with the addition of automated functions specific to its needs.”
He added that the deployment of AETs is Hactl’s “first step in the potential wider use of autonomous vehicles throughout its operations”.
“This is just the beginning,” said Kwong “We are exploring additional applications for this technology with the aim of further improving productivity and freeing up staff for more demanding duties while continuing to reduce our environmental impact.”
The AETs have a range of up to 75 km per charge and will also make a significant contribution to Hactl’s carbon reduction programme.
“Safety is the major consideration in operating the new vehicles,” Hactl said. “Each AET is equipped with a highly accurate GNSS system and uses multiple HD cameras and LiDAR sensors to detect all objects and avoid collisions.
“The AETs have similar capabilities to the current diesel-powered tractor fleet, but operational speeds will be restricted to eight kmph as an additional safety measure.”
DHL Global Forwarding is continuing to add direct connections to its airline partner’s booking systems, this time integrating with Korean Air.
Korean Air said that it is the first time that the airline has connected its booking system directly with a freight forwarder.
The Application Programming Interface (API) system will allow DHL to make reservations directly from their own CargoWise system, bypassing the need to access the airline’s platform.
“This integration enhances workflow efficiency by enabling real-time data exchange between airlines and customers, facilitating easier access to flight schedules and air cargo rates,” Korean said.
“In establishing direct connectivity with a prominent customer like DHL Global Forwarding, we are able to offer advanced services,” said Jaedong Eum, senior vice president and head of the cargo business division at Korean Air.
“Looking ahead, we are dedicated to exploring innovative channels to extend our system connections, enhancing our service offerings for an even broader clientele.”
Max Sauberschwarz, global head of airfreight at DHL Global Forwarding, added: “We are excited to announce our direct booking connection with our long-lasting partner Korean Air Cargo through CargoWise.
“This streamlines our internal processes and enhances efficiency for our customers. This is another step in our digital journey and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering value in air freight for our customers.”
Earlier this year, DHL also connected its systems with that of Cathay Cargo to offer real-time management of shipments on the airline’s Click & Ship booking platform.
Accelya, a supplier of software to the travel industry, has signed a multi-year contract renewal with the Dubai-based airline flydubai for the use of its FLX Cargo end-to-end freight management platform.
The FLX Cargo solution platform digitises every aspect of the cargo booking and operations processes – from offer to settlement.
With it, Accelya provides a “highly functional, customer self-service tool”, the software specialist considers, while also enabling connectivity to a wide range of third parties through Accelya’s catalogue of application programming interfaces (APIs).
The platform offers insights and data to airline users such as flydubai to maximise revenue opportunities and increase margins, as well as create, develop and distribute new products across multiple channels, Accelya said.
It also facilitates processes such as management of the order lifecycle, while facilitating network-wide operations and unit load (ULD) management.
Mohamed Hassan, senior vice president of airport services & cargo at flydubai, remarked: “Since the launch of flydubai Cargo in 2012, we have always looked for opportunities to invest in innovative solutions to optimise our cargo capabilities.
“The renewal and expansion of our partnership with Accelya reaffirms our commitment to adopting best-in-class practices in the industry and we look forward to enhancing our offering as we continue to grow our cargo operational reach.”
flydubai Cargo’s network spans more than 150 destinations in 54 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe.
Andrew Wilcock, chief revenue officer at Accelya, affirmed: “Working in partnership with flydubai for over a decade, we’re proud that our solutions continue to help deliver their digital distribution strategies.
“Now with our added Offer and Order solutions, flydubai can experience our full end-to-end platform offering, providing scalability and empowering their further growth.”
Qatar Airways has broken new ground at ITB Berlin 2024 with the successful launch of its holographic virtual cabin crew, Sama 2.0. Qatar Airways is the world’s first airline to develop the Artificial Intelligence powered digital human cabin crew to assist its passengers in designing curated travel experiences.
Sama, meaning ‘sky’ in Arabic, has taken centre stage at the new Qatar Airways stand during ITB Berlin. The biggest travel and tourism trade event saw the revolutionary showcase of Sama, who continues to interact with both visitors and media alike. Enabled by industry-leading conversational AI, she will continue to learn and develop over time to improve responses through passenger interactions.
Sama 2.0 is ready to answer questions in real time such as Qatar Airways FAQs, destinations, support tips and more, and will be accessible through QVerse, Qatar Airways’ immersive digital platform, as well as through the Qatar Airways app.
Sama is developed by Qatar Airways in partnership with UneeQ, a leader in AI digital human technology. This collaboration between Qatar Airways and UneeQ harnesses UneeQ’s innovative platform to enhance the digital travel experience and sets new standards in the aviation industry. The one-of-a-kind cabin crew is also poised to create benchmarks for personalised and functional service interactions in air travel.
Qatar Airways Vice President Marketing, Babar Rahman, said: “Sama 2.0 represents our relentless pursuit of innovation, and embodies Qatar Airways’ values of exceptional service and hospitality. This is a monumental point in spearheading the successful synergy between technology and human connection – not only for Qatar Airways, but also for the industry at large. Qatar Airways affirms its commitment to leading and collaborating with innovation experts to create pioneering products and services for its customers.”
UneeQ Chief Executive Officer, Danny Tomsett, said: “Sama embodies UneeQ’s commitment to blending technology with empathy and personalisation, providing an innovative solution that aligns with Qatar Airways’ reputation for world-class service. She’s a testament to the endless possibilities of AI, capable of delivering personalised and engaging interactions that mirror human conversation.”
Owing to its marked success in introducing and implementing the latest technologies to enhance passenger experiences, Qatar Airways has been continually lauded for its innovative efforts, with the latest recognition received from the World Travel Tech Awards for the World’s Best Airline Website.
Qatar Airways recently also unveiled its Generative AI experience for hassle-free and personalised travel planning at the Web Summit Qatar. The experience utilises comprehensive visual interactions and an interactive 3D map to understand customers’ travel preferences, thereby eliminating the need for manual searches. Customers can thus seamlessly receive suggestions for their dream journeys across Qatar Airways’ network of over 170 destinations.
Technology has made the world smaller and faster.Real time communication with people from all over the world at different time zones through phones and gadgets
