Korean Air Cargo has announced it will soon begin its full-scale digital transition to electronic air waybill (e-AWB) to replace conventional paper air cargo transport documents.

The cargo airline says the full transition will first apply to documents for general cargo departing from Korea bound for North America, Europe, Japan, and other select markets.

Traditional paper air waybills require in-person visits for documentation, printing, and submission. The transition to e-AWB will streamline the entire process from reservations to final delivery.

According to the airline, the transition will also enhance data quality and accuracy to allow it to share essential information more transparently.

Simplifying processes and eliminating costs will also increase efficiency in the AWB framework. By going paperless, the airline will also be able to practice its ESG initiatives to make a sustainable impact.

To minimise operational disruptions, Korean Air says it held consultations and completed trial operations with all stakeholders, cargo clients, and forwarders.

The airline will mandate e-AWB for Korea-outbound cargo starting from January 2024 and plans to expand the digital transition for all Korean Air Cargo departing from all global stations in due course.

A Korean Air official said: “Taking this digital step forward will bring an innovative paradigm to logistics, and we stand behind IATA’s effort to phase in e-AWB for air cargo digital transformation.

“We believe that Korean Air’s commitment to international industry initiatives will help raise Korea’s air cargo industry competitiveness.”