Cathay Cargo Goes Paperless In Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific Airways Jan. 1 completed its switch to electronic air waybills for all shipments departing from Hong Kong. The carrier's cargo information-management provider Global Logistics System implemented its EzyCargo system for Cathay Pacific Cargo and Dragonair Cargo.

The carrier announced its move toward a 100 percent paperless environment in September with two forwarders agreeing to cooperate. By Jan. 1, approximately 180 freight forwarders in Hong Kong have adopted the EzyCargo system to optimize the e-AWB operation, which is recommended by the International Air Transport Association. Cathay said it expects to reduce paper usage and improve air cargo efficiency.

"e-AWB reduces our paper and handling costs. We can submit our e-AWB to CX/KA at any time before the cut off time. It helps to enhance our efficiency and flexibility," said Sam Lam, president of Trans-Am Airfreight, the first forwarder in the airlines' home market to cut over to 100 percent e-AWB.

Full implementation as of Jan. 1 made Cathay the first airline operating out of Hong Kong to fully switch to e-AWB, marking a step toward a fully paperless environment in the airfreight industry.

"This cutover will speed up the adoption and penetration of e-Freight, which can deliver enormous cost and efficiency benefits for the entire airfreight industry in long term," said GLSHK Chief Executive Officer Lionel Kwok.
(Source:www.joc.com)