CHAMP’s Swissport to be a launch customer of Cargospot-neo

Ground handling service provider Swissport has inked a deal to be a launch customer of CHAMP Cargosystems’ next-generation cargo management solution, Cargospot-neo.

Cargospot-neo supports a high level of automation across many handling processes. Not least, says CHAMP, with the “most advanced set of mobile applications available”, it will enable Swissport to achieve 30% efficiencies in its warehouse operations.

Swissport has been a user of CHAMP’s Cargospot cargo management system (CMS) for almost 20 years, but with in-built machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, CHAMP believes Cargospot-neo represents a significant increase in capability.

It is said to be an open, intuitive and flexible platform and Swissport will benefit from the inclusion of three innovative modules: Task Manager, Customer Portal and Mobile Service Point.

Task Manager enables a ‘steering’ process whereby terminal resources can be directed to perform tasks or execute instructions through mobile devices and other means.

The Customer Portal builds on the pre-existing Cargospot Portal but introduces zero-touch processes that are specific to cargo terminal operation.

And the Mobile Service Point functions as a ‘virtual kiosk’ to provide support for customer zero touch processes typically performed at a cargo terminal, without the cost or space requirements of fixed kiosk terminals.

Plus, being signed up to the neo platform, Swissport will also have seamless access to other CHAMP services such as Traxon Global Customs and Traxon Global Security.

These provide integrated dashboards with actionable analytics that will enable Swissport to respond more rapidly to unplanned events.

Cargospot-neo Handling is also said to be ‘future-proofed’ through its ONE Record enablement, which will allow Swissport to augment its information-sharing with CHAMP’s large, interconnected airline community who would be leveraging CHAMP’s 1Neo-Connect Super Node.

IATA’s hope is that its ONE Record data-sharing standard will facilitate is an end-to-end digital logistics and transport supply chain in which data is easily and transparently exchanged in a digital ecosystem of air cargo stakeholders, communities and data platforms.

Global operations

Swissport has cargo handling operations at 286 airports in 44 countries across six continents.

Through the use of Cargospot-neo, CHAMP believes that Swissport’s global airfreight handling operations will benefit from “digitalised and future-proofed workflows, standardisation of processes, increased collaboration and a simplified IT landscape with global visibility within a single platform”.

The result will be “productivity gains, better operational insights and performance and ultimately, an even better customer experience”.

Chris McDermott, CEO of CHAMP Cargosystems, said: “The launch of Cargospot-neo presents tremendous opportunities for air cargo operators like Swissport who are looking to deliver a world-class customer experience and work with cutting-edge technologies.”

Dirk Goovaerts, global cargo chair and chief executive of Swissport International for the CEMEA region, added: “At Swissport we are driving an ambitious technology acceleration program[me] and are relentlessly committed to innovation and customer-centric solutions to differentiate ourselves from our competitors.

“While the current data exchange in our air cargo centers relies on messaging, the future holds the potential for dynamic, bi-directional API [application programming interface] connections with our customers and partners in the air cargo value chain, marking a significant enhancement in our technological infrastructure.”

ICS2 compliance

CHAMP has had a big start to 2024. In February, it was confirmed that it had added a new service that will enable companies transporting e-commerce shipments to comply with the European Union’s latest ICS2 rules.

The Traxon Global eCommerce (TGE) service will address the requirements of cargo pre-load security filings and pre-arrival filings for e-commerce shipments under ICS2.

McDermott explained: “CHAMP’s portfolio is built on its open neo platform, enabling quick development, launch and integration with other CHAMP or third-party services.

“TGE is a fantastic tool, that will help air cargo businesses to expand into new markets, capitalise on the opportunity of e-commerce, and avoid costly delays by ensuring regulatory compliance quickly and cost-effectively.”

Meanwhile, at Swissport, earlier this year the ground handler announced that its air cargo volumes declined last year as economic conditions took their toll.

It handled a total of 4.7m tonnes of cargo in 2023 at 115 air cargo centres worldwide compared with 4.8m tonnes in 2022.