Descartes, IATA to change air cargo messaging

   Descartes Systems Group has worked with the International Air Transport Association to develop a technology bridge to help air cargo messaging companies and their customers move from existing services to new ones that meet Cargo-XML standards.
   The Descartes solution provides bidirectional translation and message control between legacy Cargo Interchange Message Procedures (Cargo IMP) and the new Cargo-XML schematics.
   Since 2009, the IATA Cargo-XML Task Force has worked to develop the new XML standards that serve as a framework for how the air cargo industry communicates. The goal is to provide companies with an alternative to Cargo-IMP message services, and promises expanded benefits for airlines, freight forwarders, and other partners. Benefits also include more robust data capture, support of e-freight data initiatives around information-sharing and support, the ability to update software easily to meet customs and security requirements, and a reduced cost around infrastructure.
   “XML is the next logical step for air cargo messaging, offering a standardized approach for describing, capturing, processing and disseminating data” said Des Vertannes, IATA’s global head of cargo.
   An aniticipated benefit of XML-based systems for air cargo will be the development of platforms that are more compatible with new partners, devices, and mobile applications. – Geoff Whiting