Carriers expected to exceed e-AWB penetration target this year

Adoption of the electronic air waybill (e-AWB) protocols continues to gain traction among air freight carriers and handlers, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In August, global penetration of the standards reached 19.4%, a record increase of two full percentage points, with a total of 77 airlines and 1,400 forwarders signing the multilateral e-AWB agreement. With this recent acceleration, IATA predicts that its interim goal of 22% penetration by the end of 2014 should be easily met and exceeded.

Some airlines that recently got on board with e-AWB include South African Airlines, Saudi Arabia Airlines, EgyptAir, Sri Lankan, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, China Airlines, Air France, Air Canada, and IAG.