MSC Air Cargo benefits from for Descartes’ Air Messaging Solution

Software-as-a-service provider to the logistics industry Descartes Systems Group is providing its Descartes Air Messaging™ to MSC Air Cargo, the cargo airline operated by container shipping line MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

Geneva, Switzerland MSC uses the technology the solution to better manage its air freight shipments, Descartes Air Messaging helping to standardise electronic communication between stakeholders in the air cargo supply chain, including freight forwarders, ground handling agents (GHAs) and government agencies.

Anders Matikka, vice president of MSC Air Cargo, remarked: “We’re focused on distinguishing our air cargo business through excellence in operations, unparalleled reliability and transparency with our customers.

“The Descartes solution helps us meet these goals by simplifying and streamlining how shipment information is received and transmitted between multiple parties with different systems, so that the air freight we move reaches its final destination reliably and efficiently.

“MSC already uses Descartes’ ocean messaging, security filing and global trade intelligence solutions in our container shipping operations and wanted to build on this success in air cargo.”

Descartes Air Messaging was designed specifically for the air cargo industry, intended to simplify the labour-intensive process of gathering shipment information across the air cargo supply chain from stakeholders that have disparate data standards, connectivity requirements and different IT systems.

It supports a wide range of data standards, message specifications and message delivery options to provide air cargo operators with accurate and up-to-date shipment information.

Scott Sangster, general manager, logistics services providers at Descartes, informed: “Descartes provides innovative logistics solutions for air carriers, ground handling agents and logistics service providers worldwide.

“From shipment status messaging to advanced security filings and customs compliance, freight and equipment tracking and condition monitoring, Descartes’ offerings help the air cargo industry streamline logistics operations, better manage and use equipment, and meet regulatory and safety requirements.”

Expanding operations

MSC Air Cargo launched commercial operations in 2022 from its European gateway at Liege in Belgium.

With a second European gateway in Milan, the company has expanded its service in 2024 to new cities such as Dallas Fort Worth, Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, Mexico and Quito in the Americas, while in Asia it operates services to Hong Kong, Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Narita, Singapore and Xiamen in China.

In February this year, MSC Air Cargo confirmed that it had ended its general sales and service agent (GSSA) partnership with the ECS Group, which had been the airline’s GSSA in North America, Europe and Mexico since May last year.

The decision was made as MSC Air Cargo looked to strengthen its commercial capabilities and its position in the air cargo market, according to the airline’s senior vice president air cargo, Jannie Davel.

The month previously (January) saw MSC Cargo’s fourth Boeing 777 freighter delivered.

The newbuild 777F was delivered to lessor Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings. It is the last of four aircraft to be delivered for its long-term ACMI agreement with MSC.

The inaugural 777F was delivered in November 2022, with the second and third 777Fs being delivered in July and November 2023, respectively.