SAA takes big step towards a paperless environment

As SAA Cargo continues to pursue its ultimate goal of becoming 100% paperless within the domestic market, it has taken another big step in this direction. The airline has incorporated the Part 108 electronic consignment security declaration (ECSD) in the newly launched domestic online airwaybill (AWB) data capture portal. The portal is hosted by Caspnet operating as a CCS for the freight and allied industry in South African. SAA Cargo has advised its customer base that it has up-scaled its electronic data interchange (EDI) interface with Caspnet to conform with the International Air Transport Association (Iata) and the SA Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), industryaccepted ECSD. This is in-line with the proof of concept (POC) agreed on earlier this year. In addition to this, the enhancements on the newly implemented portal will enable customers utilising Caspnet to monitor cargo movements. The portal will also enable freight forwarders to generate proforma waybills. These will assist same-day consignments, reprinting of waybills and barcodes. The ECSD feature – which, in electronic or paper format, is a mandatory requirement conforming with Part 108 – will enable agents that are registered with the CAA as regulated agents to complete their security declaration online while capturing their shipment information. To achieve this, the CAA has been actively registering regulated agents’ consignees who wish to screen their own cargo to reap the financial benefits as well as speed of service. The alternative for non-regulated agents is to have the screening done at time of acceptance by SAA Cargo. The airline has also asked regulated agents that have submitted an ECSD with their FWB data to note that they will also be required to submit a paper copy of the security declaration for the initial cut-over phase. The new portal does not affect Compu-Clearing or other service providers’ clients as they will continue using their current application. Caspnet remains freeof- charge, and anyone interested in using the portal should complete the registration form. This is available by signing onto the SAA website: www. f lysaa.com or http:// www.cargoasp.net/ home/?alias=saacargo CAPTION Light at the end of the tunnel ... SAA has up-scaled its EDI interface with Caspnet.