Air Cargo Management

Cathay Cargo Terminal achieves digital import process milestone

Cathay Cargo Terminal has become the first cargo terminal operator in Hong Kong to provide full end-to-end digitalised import collection.

Cathay Cargo Terminal has become the first cargo terminal operator in Hong Kong to provide full end-to-end digitalised import collection.

The ​launch of Electronic Shipment Release Forms (eSRF) will speed up the entire import collection process, providing improved efficiency and enabling freight forwarders to plan their work schedule with more flexibility.

This new eSRF feature forms an integral part of the Import Air Cargo Collection Digitalization Module of Airport Authority Hong Kong’s (AAHK) HKIA Cargo Data Platform.

eSRFs are more secure than paper/manual identification verification, provide more visibility for customers, and eliminate paper Shipment Release Forms (SRF), reducing archiving storage for freight agents and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Moving away from paper-based processes

Previously, freight forwarders could only obtain SRFs by undergoing authentication with paper-based identification documents and queuing for truck dock and cargo clearances.

Under the new process, an eSRF can be issued through electronic authentication.

Airlines can issue the eSRF to freight forwarders or consignees for pre-registration, automatic truck dock allocation, and online queuing for cargo clearance.

With the inspection confirmation being recorded electronically, a cargo release confirmation will be shown on a mobile device.

A game-changer

Cathay Cargo Terminal and AAHK co-developed the solution in consultation with the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (HAFFA), airlines, cargo agents, truckers, and regulators.

Mark Watts, Cathay Cargo Terminal chief operating officer, said: “The introduction of eSRF is a real game-changer – akin to the introduction of e-tickets in passenger aviation.

“We are proud to have worked hand-in-hand with the AAHK to make this a reality.

“Our customers are increasingly looking to leverage digitalisation to unlock efficiency and transparency, while also looking to work with common standards and true community solutions that enable them to share data quickly across the supply chains with minimal integration.

“The HKIA Cargo Data Platform serves as an enabler in driving such transformational change for the industry.”

The HKIA Cargo Data Platform is an open and neutral community-based digital platform on blockchain that connects air cargo stakeholders together through a synchronised and trusted network to enable global supply chain digitalisation and innovation, as well as global trade facilitation.

Watts added: “The introduction of eSRF reinforces our position as a digital leader in the cargo terminal industry, further strengthens Hong Kong International Airport as the leading international aviation hub, and is another milestone to help us meet our vision of becoming the world’s most customer-centric cargo terminal.”

READ MORE NEWS: Cathay Pacific’s cargo business “performed well” in December 2023

 

Sign In

Lost your password?