Kuehne + Nagel and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) have joined forces to improve integration of their electronic booking processes as part of a focus by the two companies to digitally transform their businesses.
In a proof of concept that was successfully brought to conclusion in July, the two companies enabled total host-to-host connection through application programming interface (API) allowing for a system-based, integrated and interactive match between available capacity and demand.
Kuehne + Nagel and AFKLMP Cargo said it is first time an air freight carrier and a global logistics provider have created a direct system-to-system connection that transforms manual quotation and capacity booking process into a digital automated solution, fostering collaborative relationships and next-generation supply chain practice.
Customers are set to benefit from a seamless experience with AFKLMP Cargo’s full digital offering, including ad-hoc quotations, capacity availability inquiries, dynamic pricing and real-time e-booking functionalities.
Following the successful proof of concept, both companies have agreed to further develop the solution and to start the roll-out in Europe and South Asia Pacific.
Kuehne + Nagel, member of the managing board responsible for airfreight, Yngve Ruud said: “The successful conclusion of our proof of concept with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is a further step forward in eTouch, Kuehne + Nagel’s digital transformation process and initiative to offer a seamless digital customer journey.
“Thanks to the new interface, we increase speed, accuracy and efficiency – to the benefit of our airfreight customers all over the globe.”
Air France-KLM Cargo executive vice president and managing director of Martinair, Marcel de Nooijer added: “At Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, we keep innovating to provide connected and tailored solutions to our business customers around the world.
“In this context, enriching Kuehne + Nagel’s in-house systems with our digital services is another step towards the digitization of our industry.”
