Nippon Cargo inks pact with IBS Software

To become launch customer of IBS' iCargo

Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), one of the biggest air cargo carriers in the world, has signed an agreement with the Thiruvananthapuram-based IBS Software Services to become the launch customer of iCargo, IBS' next generation cargo and logistics management system.

Announcing the signing of the agreement with Nippon Cargo Airlines, V K Mathews, chairman and managing director of IBS, said the deal was inked formally at a ceremony held in Tokyo on April 10.

"Having NCA as iCargo's launch customer reinforces IBS' vision towards making the new cargo and logistics management system an industry leader and standard for the future. iCargo would be the catalyst for change for all cargo carriers within the logistics industry," Mathews said.

He added that the partnership with a company of NCA's stature is undoubtedly a validation of the viability of IBS' new generation cargo management system. iCargo is a total cargo logistics system that boasts of the functionality to fully support the supply chain management from shipper to consignee in all aspects of cargo logistics.

With the air cargo segment steadily on the progression path, an operator like Nippon Cargo Airlines hopes to capitalise more on its growth graph in the ever-changing market.

Masaaki Kariya, general manager, IT strategy division, Nippon Cargo Airlines, who was also present, said, "We expect iCargo to fulfill our requirements. Our cargo logistics system mainframe should be an open system and fully integrated with the latest technology. iCargo fits the bill."

He said Nippon Cargo Airlines' new cargo system operation using iCargo would begin from the fourth quarter of 2007.

Technopark-based IBS is a leading information technology solutions provider to the global travel, transportation and logistics industry.

The company operates out of its competence development centres at Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi and has to its credit a range of software products that manage mission-critical operations of major airlines, airports, oil and gas companies and seaports world-wide.

IBS had a few days ago announced the acquisition of US-based travel technology systems provider Discovery Travel Systems (DTS). The acquisition had marked IBS' foray into the leisure travel and tour industry.