Singapore introduces paperless airfreight system

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The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) recently launched the new e-freight@Singapore solutions, which are aimed at enhancing productivity and accuracy in airfreight documentation processes across the supply chain.

The e-freight system, developed by Innosys Pte Ltd, Kewill Pte Ltd, and vCargo Cloud Pte Ltd, is designed to improve the efficiency and cost savings of all stakeholders, including shippers, freight forwarders, ground-handling agents, and airlines, said Josephine Teo, Minister of State, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Transport, at the launch.

CAAS and IDA are providing incentives to support new companies adopting the platform. “These companies can expect funding support for the costs incurred for manpower, purchase of hardware/software and e-freight transactions carried out,” a CAAS media release said.

It added that 14 air cargo and logistics companies have so far adopted the system.

Gerry Tan, honorary secretary and chairman of air cargo at the Singapore Logistics Associations, said the ever-shrinking air cargo traffic volume makes it imperative to minimize service failures such as longer dwell times, erroneous handling, and damages.

“Today, air travel can connect any passenger anywhere in the world within 24 hours but strangely the same cannot be said for air cargo,” he added. “Traditional local enterprises must be prepared to embrace more advanced yet inexpensive IT solutions such as e-freight. It helps improve lead times, enhance shipment visibility, and reduce administrative burdens.”

 

Photo: edwin.11