Qatar Airways becomes first airline to implement Cargo-XML

Qatar Airways is the first airline to implement Cargo-XML, replacing the antiquated Cargo-IMP interchange messaging system for electronic information exchange in air cargo. Cargo Extensible Mark-up Language (Cargo-XML) was selected in 2014 by IATA as the standard for electronic communication between all stakeholders.

IATA says the standard is based on multimodal and cross-border messaging and aims to:

• facilitate cargo business processes
• fulfill customs requirements for advanced cargo information (ACI) filing
• comply with security regulations like e-CSD

Carriers such as Qatar benefit from XML with the ability to eliminate the need for intermediaries and exchange data directly with stakeholders and customers. The system is also compatible with other e-initiatives, like e-AWB, e-freight and e-booking.

Commenting on the upgrade to Cargo-XML, Qatar Airways chief officer, cargo, Ulrich Ogiermann said, “With the implementation of this new messaging standards, we are now able to offer numerous benefits to our partners in the supply chain, including customers and regulatory authorities who have adopted Cargo-XML.”

After years of talks and negotiations, IATA’s Cargo-XML messaging has also been officially adopted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency to collect advance data on all cross-border shipments to and from the United States.

With the backing one of the world’s largest federal law enforcement agencies, IATA’s standard for the electronic communication between airlines and other air cargo stakeholders appears to be on course to becoming the global standard.

Join us for networking and discussion of logistics innovation at Air Cargo World’s new ELEVATE 2016 Conference, Oct. 10, in Miami.