Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale) has automated the customs clearance operations of CKTS Company Limited (CKTS), a major ground handler at Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Japan.

The first stage of deploying Kale’s GALAXY cargo management system has automated the shipment triggering and document acceptance process – with the objective to streamline processes that previously relied on manual data entry or were not harmonised, resulting in delays and work duplication.

Kansai International Airport is hub for major airlines in Japan, with CKTS alone handling 140,000 tonnes of air cargo annually.

Atsushi Kato, management advisor at CKTS, said: “Kale has consistently led progress in air cargo digitisation and digitalisation globally, and this launch is its strategic entry into the Japanese market.

“At CKTS, we are excited to use the capabilities of Kale’s flagship GALAXY system and look forward to benefiting from its advanced functionalities for many years.”

Vineet Malhotra, co-founder and director of Kale, said: “GALAXY has been a critical asset to a wide range of our partners, and it is now gaining more ground in the far east and transforming ground handling operations in Japan.

“Customising proprietary messages is a major milestone for Kale as a digital trade facilitator – we look forward to further digitising the CKTS operations in the deployment phases to come.”

Kale’s GALAXY system is deployed in phases to optimise the digital integration of existing systems and processes so as not to disrupt cargo operations.

The second phase will see the introduction of handheld terminals for key warehouse functions, including the recording and live reporting of shipment arrivals to customs.

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