Trivandrum, India, 27 July 2006: Australian air Express, Australia's premier nationwideExpress Air Freight Service, has joined the Core Group of Influence (CGI) Forum set up by IBSSoftware Services and will participate in the development of a next generation air cargo andlogistics management system, “iCargo”. Australian air Express becomes the fifth member of theCGI Forum, which currently includes Air New Zealand Cargo, Gulf Air, South African AirwaysCargo and Qantas Freight.
IBS Software Services, a global IT company providing world-class solutions to the TravelTransportation and Logistics (TTL) industry, embarked on the development of iCargo in 2002.The system is a new generation design using the latest web-based tools and multi-tieredarchitecture, which will be a catalyst for change for cargo carriers within the logistics industry.iCargo will enable the airlines, ground handlers and freight forwarders to enhance cargobusiness profitability and respond rapidly to changing market conditions.
iCargo will comprehensively address the entire logistics chain from shipper to consignee usingweb based technologies. A first release of iCargo was made in December 2005 and thisaddresses the core processes of cargo reservations, capacity control, rating, load planning andconsignment tracking. Cargo terminal operations and ground handling requirements will bemade available in the second release later this year. As the system evolves, business processesare validated and challenged by the CGI members, ensuring that the product will be arevolutionary step-change for the air cargo industry.
According to VK Mathews, Chairman & Managing Director, IBS Group, “Australian air Express isan extremely valuable additional member of the CGI and we are delighted to welcome them tothe Forum. They will undoubtedly bring a new dimension to the process. Their handling of mail,courier and express products will influence the iCargo system and ensure that it meets therequirements of this high volume, performance critical business. The integration of this domesticdominated service with the international business of the other members will make iCargo theleading air cargo system within the next few years.”
Wayne Dunne, Executive General Manager, Operations of Australian air Express had this to say:“Australian Air Express is pleased to join and participate in the CGI forum. iCargo has anextensive and impressive range of capabilities. These are particularly attractive to AaE, as thepotential exists for iCargo to support both domestic and international business activities on aconsolidated new generation platform. AaE looks forward to being an active participant in theCGI Forum. ”
About Australian air Express
Australian Air Express Pty Ltd (AaE) is a joint venture between Qantas Airways Limited andAustralia Post. The Company was formed on 1st August 1992, as a result of the integration oftwo former businesses – Australia Post Express Courier and Australian Airlines Express (theformer freight division of Australian Airlines), which was later purchased by Qantas Airways.AaE has exclusive access to over 400 daily Qantas passenger flights, with eight (8) jet freightersand up to twelve (12) smaller prop driven freighter aircraft. This is combined with over fivehundred (500) courier pick up and delivery vehicles to support a complete Australia widenetwork. AaE holds a significant share of the domestic airfreight market, providing airmail,express parcels and airfreight services throughout Australia. AaE is also a significantInternational freight Cargo Terminal Operator (CTO) handling some twenty five (25)international carriers.
