The refreshed “mail as cargo” solution integrates mail-handling data with air cargo systems using the postal air waybill (PAWB).
This use of electronic data interchange (EDI) technology removes most shipment paperwork and gives both origin and destination post offices and designated operators more visibility down to mail bag level, allowing them to offer package-level track-and-trace visibility to e-commerce shippers.
The information allows Cathay Cargo to manage capacity against actual volumes of mail on flights so it can make allowances for surges in ad hoc demand or make unused space available for other cargo.
Making the information available in advance, mail heading to Europe will be compliant with the European Union’s new ICS2 customs requirements, which are being introduced this year.
Tom Owen, Director of Cargo at Cathay Pacific, says, “Cathay Mail highlights how we have adapted technology and digitalisation to offer real benefits to our customers. By fully integrating mail-handling functions with our cargo operations and expertise, our innovative new mail solution provides a sophisticated suite of tools and facilities to support our postal partners.”
Digital data from the PAWB makes it easier to reconcile shipments for billing and to measure performance.
Cathay Pacific will be adding KPIs to its mail performance monitoring suite, which is accessible on the EzyPost platform with information such as on-time delivery and visibility performance being made available.
Cathay Mail also offers operational recovery should an aircraft be grounded at an intermediate stop with staff being able to identify and segregate express mail shipments for priority uplift.