Korean Air has begun a full-scale digital transition to electronic air waybills (e-AWB), replacing conventional paper air cargo transport documents.
The full transition will first apply to documents for general cargo departing from Korea bound for North America, Europe, Japan and other select markets.
Whereas traditional paper air waybills require in-person visits for documentation, printing and submission, the digital transition will streamline the entire process from reservations to final delivery.
The transition will not only enhance data quality and accuracy, but also simplifies the overall process, eliminates costs and reduces paper waste.
The airline will mandate e-AWB for Korea-outbound cargo starting from January 2024, and plans to expand the digital transition for all Korean Air Cargo departing from all global stations in due course.
“Taking this digital step forward will bring an innovative paradigm to logistics, and we stand behind IATA’s effort to phase in e-AWB for air cargo digital transformation,” said a Korean Air official. “We believe that Korean Air’s commitment to international industry initiatives will help raise Korea’s air cargo industry competitiveness.”
To minimize operational disruptions, Korean Air held consultations and completed trial operations with stakeholders, cargo clients and forwarders.
