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3rd May 2012
eAWB - The momentum builds
The move to eAWB is clearly building momentum across the international air cargo industry. Some industry commentators believe that the IATA target for 100% eAWB compliance by the end of 2014 is overly ambitious.
It may or may not be, and only time will tell. However, without doubt, in coming months there will be a substantial increase in eAWB activity as airlines communicate their eAWB plans to our market and begin to implement those plans.
Whilst eAWB has now been implemented in a number of countries, we feel it is also important to not 'over-simplify' the process. The removal of the paper air waybill is a significant change for our industry. No past change has been this big, and no change for
the foreseeable future will match the scale and complexity of the move to eAWB.
In specific regard to Australia, our industry seems well placed to implement eAWB, as the sending of the FWB message has been well entrenched in our business process for a number of years. However, at the same time there are some issues that need to be considered
as we embark on the eAWB path. There could be some devil-in-the-detail.
First and foremost, our advice to agents is to ensure they have absolute clarity on the 'operational and data-exchange process' being suggested by each airline. As each airline is implementing their own individual eAWB program, there is no industry-wide co-ordination
of process. This is where some complexity can occur. Just because an eAWB program works for an airline in an off-shore location, does not ensure it will work effectively here in Australia.
Issues to be considered from a forwarder's perspective before they sign an eAWB agreement being proposed by an airline may include:
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Will the requirement to submit FWB data for eAWB integrate with my existing operational and IT process? Or will an airline expect me to implement an additional process such as verifying data receipt on web sites,
or waiting to receive emails? If so, how will that impact on the efficiency of my staff, particularly when multiple airlines implement eAWB. And what if the emails don't come?
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If there is integration with my existing process, will this be "complete" integration to the point where I will receive adequate response messages
for my data submission? What is the procedure if I do not receive such responses?
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Will adequate support for any data exchange issues be readily available to me, and at the times I need it?
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In competitive cargo markets such as Australia, it is clearly beneficial for airlines that their suggested eAWB process aligns well with the expectations of the forwarder.
A primary reason that FWB compliance levels in Australia have grown to such high levels is the close integration that has taken place over many years between CCN and the forwarder systems providers or internal IT departments. The CCS (Cargo Community System - such as CCN) plays an integral role in the effective implementation of eAWB, allowing any issues that may arise to be effectively resolved. The value that the CCS model plays was resoundingly supported by a number of airlines as they presented their eAWB
experiences at the recent IATA World Cargo Symposium held in KUL. In their words, the CCS is absolutely essential in providing support to the agent and the airline in eAWB implementation.
At CCN, we have a proud history in providing CCS services to the air cargo industry. For over 21 years, CCN has been providing industry-leading eBusiness and data exchange solutions, at the airline, forwarder and CTO levels. Across our wide network, we've assembled
a team of subject matter experts the industry has come to rely on. Here in Australia, we're proudly in our 9th year of providing support that our customers have come to rely on and greatly value.
As our industry embarks on this next chapter, CCN customers can be rest assured that we will continue to deliver the right solutions in a timely, effective and affordable way. Regardless of what challenges may present themselves, we have the experience, local
understanding and industry knowledge to not just deliver, but exceed your expectations.
In specific regard to your eAWB implementation, feel free to
contact us if you would like any further information or guidance as you prepare to move down the path of paper-free air cargo.
See us at AFIF 2012
We at CCN are also pleased to be supporting the AFIF conference once again on the Gold Coast, commencing May 20th, 2012. Should you have any comments or queries on the air waybills or require further information, our industry specialists can attend to your
concerns at the conference.
With regards,
Scott McCorquodale
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