The Hindu Business Line : Indian starts cargo operations automation

The automation of cargo operations of Indian has started with the Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Vishwapati Trivedi, launching the system on the network at Delhi airport.

In a statement, the airline has said that to begin with, the end-to-end integrated automation process would offer a range of measures to shippers and agents. By going to the airline's website www.indianairlines.in or www.ia-cargo.com and keying in a specific user name and password allotted to them by the airline, they will be able to make a booking on-line, create an airway bill, track the movement of the cargo consignment or even check the delivery status, the statement points out.

Customer service

For the airline, automation will simplify procedures at the airport, thereby allowing speedy customer service.

"Using the bar code system, all consignments will be scanned at every step including after booking, after security check, among others so that all details pertaining to the consignment are made available to the customer at any point of time," said an Indian official.

Besides, the airline would also experience other advantages like optimum capacity management, revenue management and flexible pricing and the filing of cargo manifest before the arrival of flights.

Initially, the automation process would cover Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai and would subsequently be extended to other domestic and international stations on the airline's network. The statement adds that by January next year, all stations are expected to be covered under the process.