Technological
innovation could be
a game-changer for
logistics companies
and cargo owners – ramping
up operational efficiency and
impacting positively on the
bottom line – but only 33.8%
of airfreight service providers
are perceived to be fully
embracing advancements in
this sphere.
This is according
to respondents who
participated in the recent
FTW airfreight survey.
A whopping 63.6% of
airlines, handlers and
airports were however
perceived to be embracing
it in “certain areas”. Chamu
Gonyora, coordinator
at Bolloré Logistics in
Zimbabwe, told FTW that
there was a “culture of
innovation and a tolerance
for change” in the southern
African region.
There were varied
suggestions as to how
technology could make a
difference, with live tracking,
complete supply chain
visibility, and 24/7 online
support highlighted as the top
three suggestions respectively.
Operations manager at
GAC Laser International
Logistics, Graham Kennedy,
commented that industry
would be in a better position
to adopt technological
innovation if ground handling
companies and airlines put
more effort into training
logistics professionals on how
their systems worked.
Stephen Bishop,
airfreight general manager
at CFR Freight, agreed,
pointing out the need
for increased integration
with all service providers,
while Mahomed Shoayb
Essa, CEO of Grangold
Logistics, commented that
collaboration between all
role players would ensure
improved integration.
e-AWB adoption on track in Africa
The move towards a paperless
environment through the
adoption of the e-air waybill
(e-AWB) was highlighted by
FTW survey respondents
as a priority, with the
latest International Air
Transport Association (Iata)
data showing that e-AWB
penetration among African
airlines already reaching 54%.
The global target is 56% by
the end of the year but global
adoption is still only at 39%.
The Middle
Eastern
region has
a slight lead on Africa with a
total 62% adoption to date.
All other regions are lagging
below 50%.
