Thailand’s Trans Air Cargo pushes ahead with e-AWBs

Thailand’s second largest air forwarder, Trans Air Cargo (TAC), has continued to increase its use of e air waybills.
TAC began its digital transition in the spring of 2015 and is now sending 400 to 500 electronic-air waybills (e-AWB) per month.
“Continuous engagement with airlines on a local level is an important factor, as airline headquarters may be ready but that doesn’t mean their local offices are,” said Keree Chaichanavong, managing director of TAC.
“Selecting the right technology partner is vital, it’s one thing to begin sending electronic data, and it’s a further step to go paperless as per the IATA resolution 672. First, we needed to get connected and begin transmitting data to all our airlines. Then we engage with each locally to coordinate the switch to full e-AWB.”
TAC selected Worldwide Information Network (WIN), the online platform for independent forwarders, as its technology provider due to its “airline coverage, experience in helping independent forwarders make the switch to e-AWB, ease of use, and proactive support”.
Added Chaichanavong: “By using WIN to transmit electronic master and house AWB data to airlines, we save money and get full tracking.”
“WIN has full coverage with 90 airlines so we have a single process and in Thailand WIN has implemented a connection with Bangkok Flight Services, the leading ground handler, to automatically update actual weights in the system from the warehouse receipt.”
John DeBenedette, managing director of WIN, said: “Working with TAC’s airport team has been a pleasure and it is refreshing to see such a well-organised independent forwarder engage the airlines locally to accelerate their roll-out."