BA Leads Electronic Freight Pilot Scheme
In a groundbreaking new project within the Freight sector, the world’s first trial in which electronic processes will replace paperwork is set to be launched imminently by the freight division of British Airways. The project, set to take place over a six-month period, will involve BA World Cargo working alongside four other airlines – encompassing Hong Kong, Canada, the Netherlands and Singapore, as well as the UK.
The goal of the venture is principally an economic one; significant savings set to emerge from replacing the extensive documentation connected to freight operations. According to Ed Searancke – Deliveries Manager for BA World Cargo – E-freight will generate cost reductions on a long term scale, given its twin benefits of lessening the administration factor, and facilitating the documentary process in general. However, in the immediate future, it will be more expensive, giving that paperwork and E-freight will need to co-exist as the transfer between the two is completed.
Detailing this further, Mr Searancke stated: ‘We will work with our customers to determine which consignments will be best suited for e-freight. We may begin with cargo that requires less documentation before we increase volumes. This will limit complexity and allow us to establish the processes of e-freight and resolve problems.’
In its preliminary phase, the trial will focus on the transportation of freight between two direct locations.
The whole E-freight directive is but one component of the International Air Transport Association’s drive to de-complicate corporate practice within the Freight Industry. It is hoped that E-freight will become widespread within three years, with savings generated amassing an estimated £600 million per annum.
The association's contribution to the pilot will be in the field of project management, including handling the complexities of legal factors
Source – Freight International Newsdesk
