All Nippon Airways (ANA) has become the first airline in Asia to implement IATA’s Dangerous Goods (DG) AutoCheck Connect API into its international cargo system.

Its implemenation streamlines ANA’s DG operations, shifting from a manual process to digital processes.

ANA has begun initiating DG AutoCheck at Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda and Osaka Kansai airports, with plans to expand to more airports in the future.

DG AutoCheck converts the Dangerous Goods Declaration Forms received from shippers or air cargo agents into data.

ANA states that it aims to align with IATA’s goal of digitising all paper-based information in air cargo transportation (e-freight) to achieve consistent data exchange and processing industry-wide.

Kenichi Wakiya, executive vice president of ANA and president of ANA Cargo, said: “ANA strives to be at the forefront of innovation in our global air cargo operations, prioritising safety and efficiency.

“The implementation of DG AutoCheck enhances our capabilities through digitising critical information that will benefit our customers.”

Frederic Leger, IATA’s senior vice president commercial products and services, said: “Efficiently exchanging data with Connect API will help deliver the speed, quality, compliance and ultimately safety benefits of digitalisation that air cargo customers are demanding.

“These benefits are real and measurable. Today it can take up to 100 minutes to get flight crew of freighter operations, detailed information on dangerous goods in the payload through NOTOC systems. With Connect API, this will be instantaneous.

“We are proud to be launching Connect API with ANA, bringing benefits to their customers.”