As part of the continuous efforts to provide its customers with high class services and, in compliance with IATA's regulations on bar-coded cargo labels, OAS Cargo Department has implemented the issuance of bar-coded cargo label in Seeb International Airport. This establishes one standard bar coded label format to be used as a means to provide and obtain consignment information, enabling unique piece identification and piece level tracking.
Abdulla Al Fori, Manager Cargo Handling said that the implementation of the bar-coded cargo label system is in preparation for IATA e-freight programme objectives of enabling the simplification of complex cargo processes, cut costs, increase information transparency and reduce the time needed to move cargo to its destination. Currently, an average cargo consolidation shipment travels with 38 documents per master Air WayBill. The initiative is more than just a change, it is an industry revolution and will accomplish a simpler, industry-wide, electronic, paper-free environment."
"Some of the key benefits that the bar coded label application can provide are improvement of data accuracy, availability of optional fields for shipper specific information, piece level identification, availability of more accurate, consistent and timely shipment status information. Also it advances warehouse handling processes including full consignment verification prior to unloading, Pre-sorting of shipments for purposes of inventory control; moreover reduces paper requirements in the warehouse", he added.
Al Fori further said "The Cargo Acceptance Unit of OAS Cargo Department in Seeb International Airport will no longer accept exporting cargo without the required bar-coded cargo labels. Hence, the Cargo Department now generates bar-coded cargo labels for its valued customers under a minimal charge. Further, in coordination with OAS IC Department, Oman Aviation Services Cargo Department is working on enhancing it's cargo handling System to comply with IATA's E-Freight program before 2010".
Corporate Communication and Media Department in Oman Air concluded "IATA e-freight is one of five Simplifying the Business projects launched in 2004 with a target of reducing industry costs by US$6.5 billion while making travel and shipping more convenient. In addition to e-freight, Simplifying the Business includes 100% electronic ticketing by the end of 2007, common use self service kiosks for check-in, bar coded boarding passes and radio frequency identification for baggage management".
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) e-freight programme's target is for paperless cargo processing by 2010, saving US$1.2 billion annually (based on current cargo volumes) and reducing shipping times by up to 25%. The project includes a fast track capability for early adopters to implement by the end of 2007. IATA represents 265 airlines comprising 94% of international scheduled air traffic
