Korean Air said it would begin its full-scale digital transition to electronic air waybill (e-AWB) to replace 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.

e-AWB is a digital replacement for traditional paper air waybills. Whereas paper airwaybills require in-person visits for documentation, printing, and submission, the digital transition will streamline the entire process from reservations to final delivery.

In the announcement, Korean Air said the transition will also enhance data quality and accuracy to allow the airline to share essential information more transparently.

Simplifying processes and eliminating costs will also increase efficiency in the AWB framework, and by going paperless, the airline will also be able to practice its ESG initiatives to make a sustainable impact.

To minimize operational disruptions, Korean Air held consultations and completed trial operations with all stakeholders, cargo clients and forwarders.

The airline said it 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," a Korean Air official was quoted as saying.

"We believe that Korean Air's commitment to international industry initiatives will help raise Korea's air cargo industry competitiveness."