SAA Cargo glitches ‘under control’

As the launch of a new computer system by SAA Cargo resulted in cargo scheduling havoc around the world, the airline reacted swiftly to industry concerns. A team of representatives from the SA Association of Freight Forwarders met the airline’s senior executive management of cargo operations last week to discuss the issue. Gary Hoyle, SAA Cargo chief financial officer and information technology specialist, told FTW that the airline had implemented a new generation, web-based system called i-Cargo. “This,” he added, “replaces our legacy systems, Safron and Zebra – and is designed to improve operational efficiencies and service to our customers.” However, Hoyle also agreed that the changeover had not been as smooth as was hoped. The system cut-over was on the morning of Sunday, October 3, he said, and SAA Cargo went live on i-Cargo following implementation of Phase 2 – which impacts on all areas of operation worldwide. “But,” Hoyle added, “we have experienced teething problems as happens with any system change.” Communication has also been on the SAA Cargo agenda before and after this system changeover, he told FTW. “We have been communicating with our customers, informing them about the change in the system prior to implementation – and have been regularly updating them about the challenges that we SAA Cargo glitches ‘under control’