Qatar Airways Cargo implements IATA Cargo XML Messaging

The Cargo-XML messaging is an initiative mandated by International Air Transport Association (IATA) as a preferred standard for electronic communication between airlines and other air cargo stakeholders such as shippers, freight forwarders, ground-handling agents, regulators, as well as customs and security agencies.

IATA’s Cargo-XML eliminates the constraints posed by the traditional Cargo Interchange Message Procedures (Cargo-IMP) standard and is designed to promote greater and seamless data interfaces. The new messaging standard while providing better data quality, will also simplify the electronic data interchange between airlines and other air cargo stakeholders. Cargo-XML is recognised as the universal language for improving e-commerce, and therefore facilitates growth in trade and encourages participation in global commerce through electronic data submission for all air cargo shipments. The new messaging system supports easier transmission of more electronic documents, thereby streamlining air cargo processes and reducing their costs.
 

Qatar Airways chief officer cargo Ulrich Ogiermann said: “We are proud to be the first carrier to complete the adoption of Cargo-XML messaging standards mandated by IATA. Qatar Airways Cargo is already at the forefront, collaborating with IATA on other such initiatives. 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.”

“With its adoption of Cargo-XML Qatar Airways is bringing the freight industry one step closer to achieving messaging standardisation on a global scale,” said Glyn Hughes, IATA Global Head of Cargo. “Achieving alignment across the industry – IATA’s goal – not only facilitates trade growth and improves cargo security, it also helps to ensure that the millions of tonnes of air cargo transported annually from medicines to crucial electronic components reach the consumer more easily.”

The Cargo-XML specifications are compatible with other industry standards such as the World Customs Organization (WCO) and International Standards Organization (ISO), hence adopting a common