Shanghai boost for e-Freight
10 / 03 / 2015
Shanghai, the third largest air cargo hub by tonnages, is pushing ahead on e-Freight with an agreement to phase out the need for a security check stamp on paper air waybills (AWBs).
IATA and Shanghai Customs, Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Shanghai Airport Authority, China Eastern Airlines, and Shanghai E-port signed a Letter of Initiative (LOI) to jointly promote e-Freight in Shanghai.
Under the terms of the LOI, the six organisations will cooperate to improve efficiency and reduce costs in existing processes by phasing out the need for a security check stamp on paper air waybills
They will also eliminate the need for paper air waybills and facilitate the implementation of paperless customs clearance at Shanghai Pudong Airport, while optimising and streamlining data sharing between the parties
Zhang Baojian, IATA’s regional vice president for North Asia, said: “China is the second largest market for international freight by air. With much of the world’s manufacturing taking place in China, it is essential that processes are kept as efficient as possible.
“This can be achieved through partnership and adoption of global standards. This agreement will bolster Shanghai’s position as a leading air freight hub in China and in the world.”
E-Freight is a global initiative to modernise the air cargo industry a by eliminating the pouch of over 20 documents that accompany every air cargo shipment. It will contribute to the industry’s goal of reducing shipping times by 48 hours.
E-freight pilot schemes have been implemented at Shanghai Pudong Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport and Beijing Capital Airport.
In June 2014, China Cargo Airlines successfully launched the pilot e-air waybill pilot at Shanghai Pudong Airport. To date, Shanghai is the leading airport in China in terms of the number of e-AWBs processed.
Did you find this article of interest, if so why not register for a FREE digital subscription to Air Cargo News? – Find out more