{"id":84635,"date":"2026-02-11T08:45:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T11:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shipping.einnews.com\/article\/891360641"},"modified":"2026-02-11T08:45:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T11:45:00","slug":"technology-digitalisation-in-air-cargo-continues-to-progress-despite-substantial-efforts-and-investment-in-digitalisation-the-airfreight-industry-still-features-manual-paperwork-and-data-duplication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/02\/11\/technology-digitalisation-in-air-cargo-continues-to-progress-despite-substantial-efforts-and-investment-in-digitalisation-the-airfreight-industry-still-features-manual-paperwork-and-data-duplication\/","title":{"rendered":"Technology Digitalisation in air cargo continues to progress Despite substantial efforts and investment in digitalisation, the airfreight industry still features manual paperwork and data duplication that create inefficiency in some parts of the supply\u00e2\u0080\u00a6"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite substantial efforts and investment in digitalisation, the airfreight industry still features manual paperwork and data duplication that create inefficiency in some parts of the supply chain.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Progress varies, owing to lack of funds and regulatory support while \u2018top-down\u2019 industry-level initiatives like the e-air waybill, introduced by IATA are still not universally adopted.<\/p>\n

Aside from attempts by industry bodies like IATA, there have been interventions at the state level, such as the US\u2019 Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Program that came into effect on 12 June 2018.<\/p>\n

ACAS requires the submission of advanced air cargo information on shipments arriving in the US from abroad \u2013 previously a voluntary process in which many airlines already participated, but now mandatory.<\/p>\n

The air cargo supply chain involves multiple private and public stakeholders, each with its own systems and priorities. Effective cooperation and compliance are therefore not necessarily straightforward.<\/p>\n

According to Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, chief executive at ULD management company Jettainer: \u201cThe top priority is end-to-end data visibility. Without seamless data sharing across all stakeholders, efficiency and resilience remain out of reach.<\/p>\n

\u201cProgress will come through industry-wide standards and collaboration, such as IATA initiatives like One Record [see panel], combined with investment in modern platforms and emerging technologies like AI and IoT. It\u2019s not just about digitising processes; it\u2019s about creating a connected ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.\u201d<\/p>\n

Indeed: \u201cAt the end of the day, the pace at which digitalisation transforms air cargo handling hinges on the benefits it provides to the whole community,\u201d the World Bank notes in a report entitled Air Cargo Digitalization: From EDI to Community Systems<\/em> published in October 2024.<\/p>\n

Airport cargo community systems (ACCS) such as those at Brussels and Changi airports are digital platforms that connect the various stakeholders in the air cargo supply chain within a specific community.<\/p>\n

An example of a \u2018bottom-up\u2019 approach to digitalisation, recent developments in ACCS include digital truck slot booking solutions aimed at improving the flow of cargo to and from airport warehouses.<\/p>\n

At the global level, Covid-19 accelerated the adoption of digital solutions, with the demand for e-commerce also playing a key role.<\/p>\n

The results of all these factors \u2013 industry efforts, government regulation, corporate\/community initiatives and macro developments \u2013 remain mixed, and the World Bank is clear that \u201cthere is no \u2018one size fits all\u2019 solution to expedite digitalisation\u201d.<\/p>\n

Budgets, for one thing, can be a stumbling block in the adoption of new technologies \u2013 and there is always the question of who should bear the cost of something like an ACCS.<\/p>\n

Areas of focus<\/h2>\n

IATA\u2019s 2025 Vision for the Future of Air Cargo Facilities<\/em> white paper is bullish, though, stating that handling facilities of the future will \u201cenable seamless data exchange, end-to-end visibility, and AI-driven operational optimisation\u201d.<\/p>\n

The association says digitalisation and automation are key priorities, with cargo community systems, data exchange and artificial intelligence being integrated to enhance efficiency and tracking transparency. Technologies such as RFID, data loggers and IoT-based tracking are increasingly integrated into air cargo operations.<\/p>\n

In this regard, Jettainer is equipping its ULD fleet with next-generation IoT tracking technology from Trackonomy in order to bring real-time, end-to-end visibility to the ULD supply chain \u201cwith unprecedented accuracy and intelligence\u201d, the company says.<\/p>\n

Trackonomy connects to JettwareNG [the latest generation of Jettainer\u2019s cloud-based IT solution, launched in March 2025] via API, feeding real-time tracker data to enrich ULD information.<\/p>\n

Cellular trackers act as mobile readers, eliminating the need for costly fixed networks. Jettainer is the first ULD management provider to bring this innovation to the market, Breithaupt says.<\/p>\n

\u201cTracking has become a critical factor in air cargo operations to monitor and control supply chains and respond proactively to irregularities,\u201d he points out.<\/p>\n

Furthermore: \u201cTracking is essential because the most common irregularities are delays caused by weather or congestion at major hubs. These disruptions often lead to transhipment backlogs and equipment shortages.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey become extremely costly when high-value or time-critical cargo is involved \u2013 such as pharmaceuticals, just-in-time production components, or aircraft parts for grounded planes. Every hour of delay can mean significant financial and operational impact.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Erik
Erik Volkerink (L), Trackonomy, and Jan-
Wilhelm Breithaupt, Jettainer. Image: \u00a9<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Real-time transparency and control can help sectors like pharmaceuticals or aerospace to protect their cargo and keep supply chains running.<\/p>\n

Jettainer is also integrating IBS Software\u2019s iCargo and iPartner Handling digital cargo management platforms with JettwareNG via an API interface to enable faster, more secure and seamless data exchange.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, IBS recently saw its full iCargo product suite implemented at Delta Cargo as the carrier migrates from a 30-year-old legacy system.<\/p>\n

Other benefits of digital tools include demand forecasting; capacity optimisation; resource planning; enhanced collaboration across the supply chain; better operational resilience and service reliability; improved regulatory compliance; and better customer service.<\/p>\n

\u201cAutomated cargo handling systems and robotics are also being adopted to reduce processing times and minimise labour-intensive operations,\u201d IATA adds.<\/p>\n

These are all important areas of focus in the push to digitalise air cargo, but the work doesn\u2019t end there.<\/p>\n

Amar More, co-founder and chief executive at IT provider Kale Logistics Solutions, cautions: \u201cCybersecurity should be prioritised to a large extent as information warfare between countries might surge in 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe more robust the security system, the more powerful will be the countries\u2019 logistics industry. Therefore, spending enough on data security and setting frameworks are pretty essential.\u201d<\/p>\n

Questions<\/h2>\n

There are inherent challenges with the large-scale adoption of digital solutions generally, and AI in particular. One example is the impact on the existing human workforce.<\/p>\n

IATA\u2019s white paper notes: \u201cAs automation and AI adoption accelerate, workforce transformation will be critical, requiring upskilling and new collaboration models between human operators and intelligent systems.\u201d<\/p>\n

The expertise needed to retrain human workers, not to mention the cost of doing so, are questions that airfreight stakeholders must answer if they intend to keep pace with digital developments.<\/p>\n

\"Amar
Amar More, Kale Logistics Solutions. Image: \u00a9<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More positively, in an article published in May 2024 by TIACA, Vitaly Smilianets, founder and chief executive of Awery Aviation Software, says AI \u201cholds the key to fostering sustainability and attracting and retaining top talent in the industry. By automating routine tasks and empowering existing staff to focus on value-added activities, AI not only enhances efficiency but also creates a more attractive and dynamic work environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Therefore: \u201cAI technology opens the door for new entrants to the air cargo industry, bringing with them fresh perspectives, skill sets, and experiences that can propel the industry forward,\u201d he believes.<\/p>\n

Another question worth asking is whether there is a danger of over-reliance on digital solutions. How resilient would the supply chain be in the event of, for instance, a large-scale data breach or loss, perhaps owing to a power outage such as those seen in several European countries in 2025?<\/p>\n

How would humans cope in that scenario, given that passing over decision making to (for instance) AI tools could impair our ability to think critically and solve problems? Besides which, poorly trained AI could make worse decisions than a human would.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is very much true in today\u2019s sense,\u201d More believes. \u201cPeople are chasing AI to a significant extent. As on date, for anything and everything the world is running after AI. This over-reliance might have detrimental effects, and it can also open up to data breaches.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite these concerns, however, \u201cIT is the backbone of air cargo \u2013 without it, nothing moves,\u201d says Breithaupt.<\/p>\n

Jettainer boasts 99.9% system availability. It also runs regular audits and has strong business continuity plans, supported by Lufthansa\u2019s expertise.<\/p>\n

\u201cDigital reliance is a reality, but we\u2019re fully prepared to keep operations resilient,\u201d Breithaupt declares.<\/p>\n

That will remain a key focus going forward, as with its new JettwareNG architecture and advanced tracking in place, the company\u2019s next big step is integrating AI in 2026 to further enhance ULD balancing and operational efficiency.<\/p>\n

Kale, meanwhile, has established an AI development centre that identifies opportunities for large-scale AI intervention in the logistics and supply chain space.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, the utility has to be sustainable,\u201d More points out, touching on the environmental impact of the industry\u2019s increasing use of digital solutions.<\/p>\n

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) states: \u201cThe proliferating data centres that house AI servers produce electronic waste. They are large consumers of water [for cooling], which is becoming scarce in many places.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey rely on critical minerals and rare elements, which are often mined unsustainably. And they use massive amounts of electricity, spurring the emission of planet-warming greenhouse gases.\u201d<\/p>\n

Air cargo, of course, accounts for only a fraction of global data centre usage \u2013 but as governments develop regulations around AI and sustainability, companies including airlines, forwarders and the like may be required to disclose and\/or mitigate the environmental impact of any AI-based products and services.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, it is clear that the air cargo industry is moving toward a future where digitalisation and automation \u201cwill define the next generation of air cargo operations\u201d, IATA concludes.<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2013<\/p>\n

ONE Record: a game changer<\/h2>\n

IATA\u2019s ONE Record initiative develops standards and guidelines for using data sharing technology to digitalise airfreight and provide end-to-end data access and visibility to all stakeholders in the air cargo supply chain, the association outlines.<\/h4>\n

Explaining the significance of the programme, Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, chief executive at ULD management company Jettainer, says: \u201cThe current messaging standard, CIMP, was developed by our grandparents in the last century and is now over 50 years old. It is based on purely text-based messages that are passed from one stakeholder to another. In the process, a lot of information gets lost due to the \u2018Chinese Whisper\u2019 syndrome and cannot be restored in a digital world.<\/h4>\n

\u201cOne Record is a real game changer here,\u201d he goes on. \u201cThe data is stored de-centrally with the data producer (shipper, forwarder, airline) and can always be reassembled into the shipment record. In addition, you can transfer all linkable data \u2013 any type of documents, certificates in PDF format, images, videos, and of course IoT tracking data.\u201d<\/h4>\n

Amar More, co-founder and chief executive at IT provider Kale Logistics Solutions says: \u201cONE Record is a revolutionary framework set by IATA, which has so far standardised processes in the air cargo sector. This is a strategic benchmark that would be hard to achieve in the years to come for other modes of cargo transportation.\u201d<\/h4>\n

But he points out that in order to participate in ONE Record, a basic level of digitalisation must be in place \u2013 and this is lacking in some locations.<\/h4>\n

<\/a><\/strong> <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

… are increasingly integrated into air cargo<\/span> operations. In this regard … and iPartner Handling digital cargo<\/span> management platforms with JettwareNG … the next generation of air cargo<\/span> operations\u00e2\u0080\u009d, IATA concludes. \u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0094\u00e2\u0080\u0093 …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-84635","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","wpcat-1-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84635"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}