As part of its focus on customer-centricity and a peek to a future of omni-channel distribution, Cathay Cargo has made its space, rates and booking information available on a customer’s booking system via an API (application programming interface).

The two-phase pilot scheme with Kuehne+Nagel in Europe and the Americas is the first time Cathay Cargo has enabled booking functionality on a freight forwarder’s host system.

‘At Cathay Cargo, we know how important it is to move alongside our customers,’ says Director Cargo Tom Owen. ‘By embracing new technologies and digitalising our systems, the pilot shows that we can work with our key partners to improve the booking experience and increase their operational efficiencies.’

The integration in this pilot phase places Cathay Cargo’s agreed agency-specific rates and availability in Kuehne+Nagel’s own booking engine, allowing users to access space, rates and secure instant confirmation from Cathay Cargo’s own inventory.

‘The long-standing cooperation with Cathay Cargo has been key to the successful implementation of the API interface,’ Holger Ketz, Global Head of Air Logistics Network & Carrier Management at Kuehne+Nagel. ‘By having direct access to Cathay Cargo’s booking platform from our transport management system we can offer a more efficient and user-friendly booking experience for our customers.’

This latest development is part of Cathay Cargo’s larger digital strategy. It also aligns with the industry's growing demand for advanced technological solutions, and to put more service options at customers’ fingertips.

‘The successful implementation of this API integration demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the user experience with digital technology, as we work towards our vision of becoming the world’s most customer-centric air-cargo service brand,’ says Owen. ‘This particular initiative highlights our innovative approach and willingness to embrace new technologies to enhance transparency and trust, as well as offering more efficient and effective management of global accounts.’

Cathay Cargo aims to develop the API’s functionality and make it available to more global account customers this year, as GM Cargo Commercial James Evans explains. ‘In future, we will be looking to create an omni-channel approach to distribution,’ he says. ‘We want to make it easier for our customers to have that direct connection with us via an API, but also to make our pricing available on third-party digital sales platforms to the wider general freight market and to target areas where we are less well known.’

This API integration shows Cathay Cargo’s commitment to continuously improving the customer experience. ‘Our digitalisation programme will help Cathay Cargo stay at the forefront of the industry and meet the evolving needs of our customers,’ concludes Owen.