Lufthansa Cargo MD-11F freighter D-ALCC being loaded at Kempegowda airport, Bangalore. Photo copyright Devesh Agarwal.
Lufthansa Cargo MD-11F freighter D-ALCC being loaded at Kempegowda airport, Bangalore.
Photo copyright Devesh Agarwal.

Bangalore Kempegowda airport first in India to be IATA e-freight compliant

November 11, 2014 2 Comments 529 Views

Bangalore’s Kempegowda international airport has been rated an International Air Transport Association (IATA) e-freight compliant airport for cargo operations. The airport is the first in India to achieve the compliance with the operationalisation and implementation of the e-freight process.

The e-freight initiative was facilitated by IATA, a global trade association comprising over 240 airlines around the world. As part of its “simplifying the business” (STB) initiative launched in 2004, IATA first commenced on the passenger side of operations, which has seen the emergence of e-tickets, electronic bar coded boarding passes, etc. that are in vogue today.

In 2006, IATA facilitated the launch of the e-freight initiative along with the endorsement of the members of the Global Air Cargo Advisory Group (GACAG). This industry-wide initiative aims to minimise and then eliminate the vast quantities of paper documents the air cargo industry relies on today to support movement of air freight. An average air cargo shipment generates up to 30 different paper documents, many of them in multiple copies, resulting in increased shipment processing times and costs.

The e-freight compliance involves air carriers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, shippers and customs authorities to effectively streamline processes, cut costs and improve speed and reliability. Some of the benefits of e-freight compliance are

  • Process efficiency
  • Productivity
  • Improved quality and reliability
  • Cost savings
  • Environment-friendly

Mr. Glen Hughes, Global Head Cargo, IATA congratulated the airport operators saying

“IATA would like to congratulate Bangalore International Airport Limited on being an e-freight compliant airport. The team has demonstrated great dedication and passion in the preparation and test pilot, an achievement that will not only benefit the airport but the entire industry”.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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2 comments

  1. Kishore Kini
    November 11, 2014 at 21:47

    Wow, a feather in the cap for KIA, hope the world notices Bangalore Airport as a potential destination for Cargo Operations, it has moved up to No.3 in India in number of Passengers carried, wish it moves upward in Cargo capacity too…

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