The Hindu Business Line : Qantas Freight joins `iCargo' initiative

QANTAS Freight has joined the Core Group of Influence (CGI) Forum set up by IBS Software Services, a leading player in the travel, transportation and logistics sector based at the Technopark here.

Qantas Freight will become the fourth international carrier to join the initiative that aims to develop a next generation air cargo and logistics management system, called `iCargo', said Mr V.K. Mathews, Chairman and Managing Director, IBS. Already in the forum are Air New Zealand Cargo, Gulf Air and South African Airways Cargo.

These carriers will influence and validate the processes and functionality of `iCargo' to address the current and future requirements of the industry. The multi-million dollar initiative was launched in 2003. The system employs the latest Web-based tools and multi-tiered architecture, and is expected to catalyse a generational change in the way business is conducted in the logistics industry, Mr Mathews said.

`iCargo' is an integrated, multi-hosting system that will comprehensively address cargo reservations, capacity control, rating, load planning, cargo terminal operations and freight forwarding requirements of cargo carrying airlines. It will be released in stages, adding new functionality incrementally, to evolve as a full-fledged, end-to-end, cargo and logistics management system.

The first release is expected any time now. The second release is in development and will be released in the third quarter of next year, Mr Mathews said. "We are delighted that Qantas has joined the CGI Forum and look forward to their participation in this dynamic design process," he added.