Oman has implemented the International Air Transport Association’s electronic air waybill standard to replace the traditional paper air waybill for air freight shipments.

According to national carrier Oman Air, the move is in line with the government’s plans to implement international best practices in business.

The introduction of the e-AWB standard in Oman allows freight forwarders and traders to communicate directly with over 120 airline operators around the world to report and manage their shipments.

Omani traders will also benefit from the use of the e-AWB as it removes barriers to trade by facilitating pre-arrival reporting to customs and earlier release, reducing cargo storage time and costs.

“The digital advancement is changing the way industries operate,” said Mohammed Ali Al Musafir, senior vice president of Oman Air Cargo. “Oman Air Cargo is always at the forefront of adopting the latest e-initiatives to further develop the standards of the air freight industry in Oman and make trade easier and faster for all industry players.”

To support the implementation process, IATA and air cargo IT solution provider CHAMP Cargosystems will offer freight forwarders low-cost online facilitation for the creation and sharing of e-AWB messages, enabling local businesses to benefit from the electronic reporting without the need to invest in building their own digital systems.

Oman Air Cargo and government-owned integrated logistics provider Asyad conducted an e-AWB workshop in September 2018 for trade partners and airlines by inviting delegates from IATA and CHAMP to share best practices and create awareness of e-AWBs. During the workshop, Oman Air Cargo became e-AWB compliant by signing IATA’s Electronic Air Waybill Resolution 672, which removes the need for a paper AWB.

“The adoption of e-AWB will develop the air cargo community in Oman,” said Mazen Al Homsi, regional cargo manager of the Middle East and Africa at IATA. “IATA has been signing up more carriers, airports and freight forwarders into the e-AWB system. The e-AWB system that Oman Air Cargo is implementing will allow it to safely and proficiently empower its freight customers to perform the most essential tasks for cargo booking and data capture.”