Swissair spells out procedure regarding cargo recovery

CONFUSION REIGNS in the freight forwarding industry over cargo sent by Swissair Cargo immediately prior to the airline filing for bankruptcy. Sandro Consoli, manager Airfreight Institute (AFI) - FIATA, has advised on the processes to be followed for the recovery of consignments, or their eventual delivery. If, for example, air cargo is collected in transit to be reshipped with another carrier, the freight forwarder is required to issue a complete new AWB because the SR AWB is not accepted by other carriers. "If the cargo is stuck at the airport of departure, stop the cargo immediately, collect it, issue a new AWB and cancel the SR AWB," says Consoli. When a part of the route has already been flown, the shipper is still advised to instruct his agent to collect the shipment and to send it to final destination on a new AWB. "Obviously, the contract with SR is not fulfilled but you cannot claim losses because this money is lost." Consoli offers further detailed advice on procedures to be followed for claiming money in both CASS and non-CASS countries, the full details of which are available from the airline's offices.