The test run has met expectations so far, but the trial period will continue until April 2017.
Supported by the Dutch Government, the initiative is in accordance with the objectives of the ‘Schiphol 2020 Mainport Programme’, aimed at making the gateway the smartest airport in the world. Partners of the so-called “European green fast lanes” initiative include KLM Cargo, Schiphol airport, Kuehne + Nagel, Jan de Rijk and Swissport, along with local customs and tax authorities.
Thanks to a cloud-based platform, which forms the foundation of the initiative, all partners in the project can see and access the shipment data, then exchange, process or even modify this information, which is obtained automatically and verified against the applicable customs regulations and safety standards. “Not only will this support the exchange of administrative data, it will also facilitate the exchange of status information relating to the shipments,” the Dutch carrier added.
The Frankfurt-Amsterdam link was chosen for the initial test of the project because Rhine-Main is one of KLM Cargo’s busiest air freight stations in both size and volume, and a smaller base wouldn’t have collected sufficient data for an overview.
Marcel de Nooijer, EVP of KLM Cargo, commented on the carrier’s hopes for the project. “Our target as carrier is to deliver better quality at lower costs by optimising the supply chain and ultimately attract additional business.” Indeed, the improved flow of all shipments, from pharma and valuables to express shipments and general cargo, will enable KLM to offer its clients an enhanced product.
