The International Air Cargo Association has launched a pilot of its new Cargo Service Quality online tool which allows forwarders to rate and review the service quality they receive at participating hubs.

According to TIACA, 15 cargo terminals around the world, including SATS in Singapore, Asia Airfreight Terminal in Hong Kong, PT Jasa Angkasa Semesta in Jakarta and Delhi Cargo Service Centre are amongst the first to trial the new scheme. More airports are expected to join the scheme.

“We are excited with the developments made in creating this tool which will benefit the shipper and every player in the air cargo supply chain,” said Sanjiv Edward, chief commercial officer of Delhi International Airport. “This initiative encourages collaboration between all the stakeholders and integrates the quality of service delivery throughout the entire global air cargo chain. It will be very useful in understanding the requirements, expectations and areas of improvements identified by customers through this assessment tool. It will also provide an excellent opportunity for cargo terminals to demonstrate to their customers the level of cargo service quality they deliver.”

The tool, which is scheduled to be launched in June 2018, incorporates four steps as a way to raise cargo service standards: benchmarking, assessment, improvement and excellence. Cargo terminals registered to take part in the pilot will be rated by forwarders based on factors such as process, technology, facilities, regulators and general airport infrastructure, amongst other variables.

“The CSQ tool will benefit the worldwide air cargo community by improving visibility and facilitating global standards, and TIACA is pleased to be at the forefront of such an exciting development,” said Steven Polmans, vice chair of TIACA and head of cargo and logistics at Brussels Airport Company, which backed the scheme.

The initiative aims to provide airports and cargo terminals with the business insight to optimize their investments and identify areas where processes and service delivery can be improved.

Participating terminals will also be able to access global performance data and establish relevant benchmark parameters, according to TIACA.