The initiative to take paper out of air cargo is part of a wider process to simplify the business for both passenger services and the cargo sector. As with the phased abolition of a flight ticket for passengers, the aim is to reduce the reliance on documentation within the industry and allow for EDI transfer of information along the complete supply chain from supplier to customer via agent, airline, customs authorities, etc.

IATA has identified that each air cargo shipment carries with it up to 30 different types of paper document across the whole supply chain. By the end of this year electronic messages will have the potential to replace 20 of them. Currently, e-freight is live in 24 countries covering 118 airports and is utilised by 26 airlines and 178 forwarders. Since August 2008, DB Schenker in the UK has continued to expand its e-freight capabilities and our London Heathrow office now accepts regular e-freight consolidations from Singapore, Hong Kong and Canada through the London Heathrow gateway. This year will see the gateway extend our acceptance of import shipments from any country wishing to take part in the initiative. This year will also see the introduction of e-freight export consignments handled through the London Heathrow gateway and also the inaugural e-freight shipments to be handled through our Manchester & Glasgow facilities.