Lufthansa Cargo and WiseTech intend to launch a direct eBooking connection between their systems, enhancing the eBooking process for users of the CargoWise platform for logistics services globally.

With production trials having commenced, the integration will provide CargoWise customers with a simplified booking process within their own IT-systems, providing air cargo rates, flight availability and the booking confirmation in real-time. Through API connectivity, the connection will increase forwarder productivity, eliminate manual, error-prone data entry and rekeying between systems, provide increased visibility and reduce resources and costs.

Ashwin Bhat, Chief Commercial Officer at Lufthansa Cargo, said: “We are pleased to be collaborating with WiseTech Global on this eBooking connection. As the air cargo industry continues to experience a rapidly changing environment, the ability to connect directly to CargoWise means we are providing our customers with booking possibilities via their own systems. Not only will this eBooking connection benefit our customers with increased efficiencies and productivity, but it is also enabling and supporting the digitalization of the logistics ecosystem. We look forward to building our partnership with WiseTech Global to enhance value for our customers and further driving the digital transformation of the whole industry.”

Scott McCorquodale, Chief Automation Officer, Air Cargo at WiseTech Global, said, “The partnership between CargoWise and Lufthansa Cargo is a win for our respective customers and the industry in general. As we continue to secure global rollouts with the world’s largest freight forwarders, our eBooking functionality provides logistics operators with immediately available critical information including buy rates and flight availability, complemented by direct flight schedule feeds and increased shipment tracking visibility.

“Improving the efficiency in information flows around the industry is vital. A direct data interface for eBookings will be the start of our collaboration with Lufthansa Cargo with further functionality already in the planning, to bring additional benefits to our customers into the future.

“There is no question that continually investing in implementing the right technology will put airlines and forwarders in a position of strength in the future. In addition to being one of the major global players in air cargo capacity, Lufthansa Cargo is showing that it is leading the industry in technology adoption, and we support this partnership to enhance our air connectivity solutions.”