China to progress forward using e-AWBs

China Southern Airlines has recently transported its first international e-AWB shipment via flight from its Guangzhou hub to Amsterdam, being a major benchmark for the carrier and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This latest development heightens the possibility for the air cargo industry hitting its annual e-AWB penetration target for the first time.

Having started its e-AWB programme for domestic routes in October 2009, China Southern is currently ranked as the airline presently operating the second highest number of e-AWB domestically.

The company has said: “This is a remarkable achievement. The successful implementation of domestic e-AWBs has laid a solid foundation for China Southern to move forward on international e-AWB adoption.” It also added: “After this first e-AWB trial from our hub, we will endeavour to expand e-AWB roll-out bot from home base and worldwide.”

IATA has declared this as “a key step for the progress of e-AWBs in China”, with them commenting: “We congratulate the working group led by China Southern, in conjunction with the Chinese authorities, on the achievement of this significant milestone. We look forward to the full e-AWB implementation for all carriers in Guangzhou, as well as at other major hubs in China.”

The e-AWB document allows information of shipments to be exchanged electronically, rather than being accompanied by paper air waybills.