SAA Cargo launches e-waybill initiative

Caspnet link-up provides EDI gateway
ALAN PEAT
THE NEXT step in airfreight electronic data interchange (EDI) for SAA Cargo is its link-up with Cargo Application Service Providers .Net (Caspnet) – providing the EDI gateway for the air cargo carrier. It’s also a step towards SAA Cargo becoming part of the paperless regime in the airline industry – with international plans afoot for the air cargo industry to move into this environment within five years. “Moving in line with the advanced airline manifest system (AAMS), and other international trends,” said Caspnet’s Brian Mulligan, “SAA Cargo has initiated its e-air waybill initiative as a forerunner to the International Air Transport Association (Iata) paperless initiative. “This initiative is aiming at paperless trade within the airfreight industry commencing as early as 2007 - with a group of select partners, of which SAA Cargo is a member.” IATA’s ultimate target for converting the whole airfreight industry to paperless trade is set for 2010. “The initiative holds huge benefits for both the airlines and their customers,” Mulligan added. “Not only will there be a cost-saving, but a greater level of efficiency and accuracy will be achieved.” With what Caspnet is providing, the EDI AAMS and e-air waybill connectivity will allow SAA Cargo customers to provide the airline with electronic waybill data before they deliver cargo to either international or domestic airports. In return, the customer will be provided with five status reports on the cargo movement – with the costs carried by SAA Cargo. “Caspnet operates on CCS principles,” Mulligan told FTW, “and aims to provide its clients with workable EDI solutions. “We are used to meeting the stringent time-sensitivity of the airfreight industry.” In preparation for its move into connectivity, SAA Cargo has successfully test-run various Cargo-Imp message types through the Caspnet switch. The airline is now ready to provide the industry with EDI interchanges on master (FWB) as well as consolidation (FHL) air waybills. “Caspnet’s aims are to provide the SA freight community with EDI services of any nature,” said Mulligan, “for air, sea and rail as well as roadfreight cargo. “We route the airline interchanges through SITA - the world-known, IATA-approved network. This ensures that data integrity remains intact.”