IAG to offer electronic booking through Freightos

IAG Cargo is to offer its customers real-time electronic booking and pricing through a new partnership with software firm Freightos.

At Air Cargo Europe in Munich, the carrier announced that WebCargo by Freightos has become the first live user of IAG Cargo’s digital application programming interfaces (APIs) which provide access to rates, route availability, and the platform to make and manage bookings in real time to any the carrier’s destinations.

Customers can access these through the WebCargo air cargo pricing and eBooking platform. Shipment tracking is also in the late stages of development.

APIs are digital interfaces that enable system-to-system communication and eliminate the need for manual intervention in the complex world of international logistics.

In addition to booking through WebCargo, IAG Cargo has invested heavily in developing APIs that can be integrated directly into customer systems, giving customers the choice to book via IAGCargo.com or their own system.

WebCargo Air is Freigtos’ platform for live air cargo rate distribution and bookings between airlines and forwarders. Partners using its eBooking function include airlines like Lufthansa and Air France KLM, and forwarders such as Panalpina.

Enikö Matanov, IAG Cargo director of strategy and revenue optimisation, commented: “In our survey of the freight forwarding industry, over 80% of respondents said they expected digitalisation to positively impact their business – this announcement is one example where we are improving the speed and quality of bookings, rate searches and booking management.”

WebCargo by Freightos chief executive Manel Galindo CEO said: “IAG Cargo is a digital trendsetter and we’re excited to partner with them to bring air cargo online, beginning with seamless price, rate, and eBooking connectivity.”