Australian air Express joins iCargo team

Australian air Express (AaE), the express air freight service based in Australia, has become part of the Core Group of Influence (CGI) Forum set up by IBS Software Services, a Technopark-based global provider of IT solutions to the travel, transportation and logistics industry.

With this, AaE becomes the fifth member of the CGI Forum, which currently includes Air New Zealand Cargo, Gulf Air, South African Airways Cargo and Qantas Freight, and will participate in the development of a next generation air cargo and logistics management system, iCargo, IBS said here.

The iCargo system is a new generation design using the latest web-based tools and multi-tiered architecture, which will be a catalyst for change for cargo carriers within the logistics industry.

iCargo will enable airlines, ground handlers and freight forwarders to enhance cargo business profitability and respond rapidly to changing market conditions, according to the company.

Detailing the new partnership, VK Mathews, chairman and managing director, IBS Group, said: "Australian air Express joining the CGI Forum will undoubtedly bring a new dimension to the process. Their handling of mail, courier and express products will influence the iCargo system and ensure that it meets the requirements of this high volume, performance critical business. The integration of this domestic dominated service with the international business of the other members will make iCargo the leading air cargo system within the next few years."

AaE is a joint venture between Qantas Airways and Australia Post, and has exclusive access to over 400 daily Qantas passenger flights, with eight jet freighters and up to 12 smaller prop-driven freighter aircraft.

This is combined with over five hundred (500) courier pick up and delivery vehicles to support a complete Australia-wide network.