E-AWB penetration continues to rise in May
01 / 07 / 2016
Electronic-air waybill (e-AWB) usage remained on a growth trajectory in May, after the surprise drop-off in penetration in March.
Figures from IATA show that in May e-AWB penetration reached a new record of 39%, compared with 38.3% in April.
While there was an increase, question still remain as to whether usage levels will reach the end of year target of 56% set by IATA.
Earlier this week, the association held a webinar to help understand what was holding back the use of e-AWB.
An online poll taken during the event showed that 35.1% blamed limitations of supply chain partners, 30.9% said the slow progress was down to a lack of a regulatory push from the industry, 18.6% blamed resources and 15.5% said cost.
During the event, IATA head of cargo Glynn Hughes admitted he would have like to have seen more progress.
However, he was hopeful the 360 programme would help boost penetration. The 360 programme requires that the majority of operating airlines and ground handling agents at an airport offer an e-AWB as the preferred means to all destinations and that they adopt a single process service and a standard operating procedure.
