Singapore Airlines Cargo “Live” Use of eAWB
In a client advisory dated 22 June 2017, Singapore Airlines Cargo announced it is implementing “live” electronic Air Waybill (eAWB) effective 15 July 2017 for outbound export shipments originating from Manila:
- airport of origin – Manila
- countries of destination airport – Singapore/Malaysia/Thailand
- coverage of shipments – outbound (export) shipments
- cargo acceptance process at Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions (PAGSS) ground handling agent (PAIR-PAGS Center)
- electronic MAWB (IATA Cargo-IMP FWB message) must be transmitted by forwarder/agent prior to physically bringing cargo to PAGSS GHA
- cargo will be off-loaded by SQ/PAGSS if no electronic FWB is received by close-out time (cut-off time for outbound cargo receival)
- mode of e-AWB submission by forwarder/agent
- directly to CCNHub during electronic cargo booking
- manual data entry at PAGSS eAWB Express Kiosk
The technology service provider of Singapore Airlines Cargo is Singapore-based Cargo Community Network (CCN).
Airfreight industry stakeholders are asking what the impact of “live” e-AWB on Bureau of Customs NAIA export clearance procedures is (through Aircraft Operations Division and Export Division).
Right now, BOC is not yet accepting e-AWB information because there is no existing policy or official instruction encompassing its use. So in the meantime, Singapore Airlines Cargo has instructed its forwarder/agents to continue printing hard copies of neutral air waybill for presentation to customs.
Stakeholders such as the Aircargo Forwarders of the Philippines Incorporation (AFPI) and members of the Philippine eFreight Working Group (EFWG) are advocating the acceptance by BOC of A4 bondpaper printouts of eAWB.
PAGSS eAWB Express Kiosk
PAGSS, the ground handling agent of Singapore Airlines Cargo, has started pilot use of e-AWB Express Kiosk. This is currently available for the exclusive use of CCNhub subscribers.
The Express Kiosk allows forwarders/agents to amend and print AWBs at the point of export cargo receipt. The facility:
- eliminates the need to go back to their offices in order to cut/print final AWB after cargo weigh-in
- submits final eAWB to the airline through the Express Kiosk in compliance with eAWB
- prints hard copy of final AWB and submit to customs
Leo V. Morada is a subject expert on IT applications in Philippine port operations with more than 30 years’ senior IT management experience implementing technology solutions in port operations, electronic transactions with customs & port authority, and air/sea port community system applications. He is Director of Cargo Data Exchange Center, Inc, a Value-Added Service Provider accredited by BOC and PEZA. He may be contacted at lmorada3f1@yahoo.com.
