News / AF-KLM Cargo follows in Virgin's footsteps with Accenture partner platform

© Tzogia Kappatou

Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo (AF-KLM) has signed up as one of the launch customers for a new Accenture cloud-based platform, allowing cargo carriers to integrate with partner networks. 

Executive vice president of AF-KLM Cargo, Marcel de Nooijer, said the decision to adopt Accenture’s AFLS Exchange system exemplified the carrier’s commitment to modernising.   

“We’re committed to leveraging innovative technology to transform our business, and AFLS Exchange will make integrating with partner networks simple and quick,” said Mr de Nooijer.  

“We’re confident that AFLS Exchange will help us expand our network footprint and enable us to generate even greater value from our partnerships with other carriers.”   

The system gives real-time visibility into partner networks and enables secure transactions for core functions including route enquiries, capacity availability and bookings.  

An Accenture statement said customers are provided with more product and route options, as well as faster response times with “cumbersome” manual processes no longer required.  

Managing director of AFLS, Ganesh Vaideeswaran, said: “AFLS Exchange is designed to help carriers realise the full potential of their partnerships and drive revenue growth.    

“We are proud of this unique industry solution that addresses several pain-points we have discovered in our broader work with leading cargo carriers.  

“The platform is highly configurable, reliable and equipped with a plug-and-play connector to meet the needs of every carrier and their partner networks.”  

In adopting the system, AF-KLM has joined partner carrier Virgin Atlantic Cargo, which announced in June it would be replacing its decade-old Voyager system with AFLS next year. 

Head of Virgin Atlantic Cargo, Dominic Kennedy, told The Loadstar last month that the carrier “would engage” with the “disrupters”.   

“We will talk to our customers about the best way to interface with them… we have been thinking long and hard about the next five years,” said Mr Kennedy.   

“We needed to think about the technology. A number of things are really critical for us, and fundamental change was needed so that customers could enjoy the benefits.”   

He added that another requirement was to ensure the technology would cater for “our evolving partnership network”, with Delta and Air France-KLM Cargo.    

Meanwhile United Cargo has decided to design and launch a platform based on Freightos’  Webcargo system.  

Chief executive of Webcargo Manel Galindo said: “[United’s] vision aligns with our goal to eliminate communication barriers between forwarders and carriers with the most comprehensive platform, enabling industry-wide connectivity.” 

The portal will provide customers with expanded on-demand booking, dynamic pricing and real-time network updates.   

It represents the first of many digital transformation strategies the carrier is prioritising in 2019 and beyond, with president Jan Krems noting customer expectations.   

“Today’s air cargo customers want a quick and fully digitised sales experience with extensive, agile self-service options,” said Mr Krems.   

“Webcargo is a recognised leader in providing the level of digital connectivity we want to deliver.  

“We believe the combination of its proven technology innovations and United Cargo’s unmatched capacity and service will provide extraordinary benefits for our customers.”