CHAMP's Cargospot to publish real-time rates on OAG AFRA
BANGKOK, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- CHAMP Cargosystems (www.champ.aero), the leading provider of air cargo IT solutions, and OAG Cargo (www.oagcargo.com), the foremost data and online information services business for the global airfreight industry, today announced their global co-operation for the provision of real-time rate and booking services. This alliance will deliver a direct interface between CHAMP's Cargospot system and OAG's Air Freight Rates (AFRA) application.
Carriers utilising CHAMP's new generation Cargospot applications will now be able to distribute their rates directly to their forwarding clients via OAG's AFRA. This web-based solution allows the communication of real-time rate information between carriers and freight forwarders in a secure online environment. Carriers will have the option within Cargospot to upload their rates via the 'AFRA interface' and their latest tariffs will be automatically placed on AFRA where they will be instantly accessible to current and potential customers.
Mike Navin, Managing Director OAG Cargo Solutions, part of UBM Aviation, said: "We are excited about this initiative with CHAMP, which supports OAG's strategy for obtaining rate information directly from the source. The dynamics of our industry demand high-speed communications and data transfer between airlines, handlers and forwarders. Having an interface to link our two applications will speed up the communication process for critical real-time rate data and deliver added value to our customers."
James Fernandez, VP Sales and Marketing, CHAMP Cargosystems explains: "CHAMP's partnership with OAG is part of our strategy to extend the range of services available to our Cargospot clients. As we continue to invest in our new-generation product portfolio, finding the right partners is critical to us so that we can provide our customers with opportunities for growth and competitive advantage.
"Our clients can now have a direct interface with their customers, providing improved levels of service at lower cost. The real-time publication of tariffs is vital in today's competitive environment and Cargospot users will now be able to respond even more quickly to any movements or changes in the market."
Cargospot -- CHAMP's new generation suite of applications -- provides a modern software platform for airlines needing a complete solution to automate their cargo business or to replace a current legacy system. Cargospot is offered in both hosted and license options to suit companies of all sizes. The modules enable fast interoperability with business partners (customers, agents, and service providers) throughout the air cargo supply chain.
AFRA is a business to business tool for secure rate information between airlines and freight forwarders, and for the communication of sales quotations between forwarders and shippers. Airlines publish their rates on the system, and forwarders access the information under license. Currently it contains more than eight million tariffs including general, contract, ad hoc and net rates, and is used by freight forwarders worldwide to compare prices quickly and easily to find the right rate for a consignment.
About CHAMP (http://www.champ.aero/)
CHAMP Cargosystems is the market leader in providing integrated software solutions to air cargo carriers and their distribution partners around the world. With a comprehensive and proven portfolio CHAMP provides solutions to over 85 airlines and 200 customers worldwide, including GSAs, GHAs and Forwarders and is an IATA Strategic Partner.
In addition to the core airline business, the CHAMP portfolio includes extensive ground handling modules addressing the needs of GHA and GSA specialists. CHAMP also leverages its domain knowledge of cargo airlines and experience of ERP (enterprise resource planning) applications to deliver outsourcing consultancy and leading-edge SAP financial platforms for financial and accounting operations to airlines managing freight. CHAMP is an SAP(R) Channel Partner.
About OAG Cargo Solutions (www.oagcargo.com)
OAG Cargo Solutions provides an expanding portfolio of innovative products and services to the global air cargo community. Its air freight community portal oagcargo.com includes tools for routing and shipment planning, Dangerous Goods regulations, a real-time air freight rates database, air and road schedule data, tracking and analysis solutions and multi-media cargo schedule products. Its renowned Inforwarding service has more than 26,000 registered freight forwarding and airline users in 26 markets worldwide.
OAG Cargo Solutions is part of UBM Aviation (www.ubmaviation.com), a global data and information business for the air transport industry serving the passenger aviation, air cargo logistics, maintenance repair & overhaul (MRO) and business travel communities with flight and fleet information products, market intelligence, news and events. UBM Aviation is a division of United Business Media (UBM) Limited.
About UBM (www.ubm.com)
United Business Media Limited (UBM) is a global media and marketing services company that informs markets and brings the world's buyers and sellers together at events, online, in print, and with the information they need to do business successfully. UBM serves professional and commercial communities, from IT professionals to doctors, from journalists to jewelry dealers, from farmers to pharmacists around the world. UBM employs more than 6,500 people in more than 30 countries. UBM's businesses include CMPMedica, Everything Channel, PR Newswire, RISI, TechInsights, TechWeb, Think Services, UBM Aviation and UBM Global Trade. UBM is listed on the London Stock Exchange (UBM.L) and has a market capitalization of $2.5 billion.
