First Asian Airline to Implement IATA's Connect API for Dangerous Goods AutoCheck

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has become the first airline in Asia to implement the Connect API service that is part of IATA’s Dangerous Goods (DG) AutoCheck.

By connecting the IATA dangerous goods verification system through APIs, the airline hopes to speed up data processing and improve quality.

Connect API was launched as part of IATA’s DG AutoCheck for dangerous goods in April last year.

Connect API will help in the digitalisation of the air cargo industry by automating the transfer of data from DG AutoCheck to other systems in the industry’s value chain.

The carrier explained that today it can take up to 100 minutes to get the flight crew detailed information on dangerous goods through Notification to Captain (NOTOC) systems.

“With Connect API, this will be instantaneous,” ANA said.

DG AutoCheck converts the Dangerous Goods Declaration Forms received from shippers or air cargo agents into data.

ANA has begun initiating DG AutoCheck at Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda and Osaka Kansai airports, with plans to expand to more airports in the future.

The implementation of the API system is part of the airline’s efforts to align with IATA’s goal of digitalising all paper-based information in air cargo transportation.

Kenichi Wakiya, executive vice president of ANA and president of ANA Cargo, said: “The implementation of DG AutoCheck enhances our capabilities through digitizing critical information that will benefit our customers.”

“Efficiently exchanging data with Connect API will help deliver the speed, quality, compliance and ultimately safety benefits of digitalization that air cargo customers are demanding. These benefits are real and measurable.”

“We are proud to be launching Connect API with ANA, bringing benefits to their customers,” said Frederic Leger, IATA’s senior vice president of commercial products and services.