Qatar Airways Cargo and Qatar Customs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the use of electronic air waybill (e-AWB).
The agreement was signed yesterday by Qatar Airways Chief Officer (Cargo) Ulrich Ogiermann and Qatar Customs Operations and Risk Analysis Department manager Mohamed Ahmed al-Mohannadi in the presence of senior officials from both companies.
The “milestone” agreement will bring Qatar Airways one step closer towards electronic freight, also known as e-freight, with the intention to eliminate the requirement for the paper air waybill.
The airline will now implement “paperless freight transactions” for shipments originating and transiting through Doha, as well as for import shipments into Doha.
Ogiermann said: “The many benefits of moving into paperless transactions is greatly understood by all those of who handle a large number of cargo transactions on a daily basis. The signing of the SOP is a stepping stone to implementing the electronic air waybill, which is highly beneficial to the cargo industry. We are looking forward to greater efficiency by introducing electronic air waybill shipments.”
Ahmed bin Ali al- Mohannadi, chairman, General Authority of Customs said: “The Air Waybill system will integrate our customs clearance systems with the existing electronic databases in Qatar. When operational, these systems will lead to simplifying travel procedures, reducing operational costs and saving time. Eventually, these systems will lead to the wider implementation of smart governance and help us to achieve Qatar’s Vision 2030.”
Qatar Airways, Qatar Customs, Qatar Aviation Services and IATA have jointly developed the step-by-step procedure to implement the e-AWB.
“IATA thanks Qatar Customs and Qatar Airways for their leadership in implementing e-Customs and modernised air cargo processes, paving the way for the industry transformation towards 100% e-AWB. e-AWB is a crucial step towards full adoption of e-freight which improves the speed and security of air cargo, thereby facilitating world trade and economic growth,” said Glyn Hughes, Global Head (Cargo), IATA.
Qatar Airways accepts e-AWB shipments at more than 20 stations in its network and transports 14% of its network air waybills under e-AWB process, on feasible e-AWB lanes.
“With the e-AWB, there is no longer a need to print, handle or archive paper AWBs. e-AWB brings accuracy, confidentiality and efficiency by reducing operational costs and speeding up the delivery of air freight shipments,” a release said.
