Delta Air Logistics, the cargo division of Delta Airlines, is to
join Global Freight Exchange (GF-X), an online cargo booking
exchange.
Yesterday both companies announced that they have signed a
memorandum of understanding and that Delta plans to begin
transacting with GF-X as soon as talks have concluded.
Delta spokeswoman Emily Wharton said: "We're committed to providing
an easier, more cost-effective booking solution for our customers.
GF-X puts us on a neutral, global Internet platform for the air
cargo industry."
Wharton added that the move puts Delta on the same platform as Air
France, one of Delta's alliance partners. Two years ago, Delta Air
Logistics, Aeromexico Cargo, Air France Cargo, Alitalia Cargo,
Czech Airlines Cargo and Korean Air Cargo formed SkyTeam Cargo, a
global alliance established to provide complete air cargo services
to customers.
GF-X spokeswoman Fiona McKinnon said that adding Delta Air Lines to
its carrier list strengthens the exchange's position in the US. She
believed the airline's decision to join GF-X would encourage more
major freight carriers to join.
McKinnon said GF-X helps carriers save money because forwarder
queries are handled by the system, reducing time-consuming calls
and faxes; booking requests are sent electronically, and booking
responses (confirmations on a requested option or alternative
options) are returned electronically to the forwarder.
She said freight forwarders save money because bookings can be
transferred electronically in bulk from the forwarder system,
removing the need for faxes to be prepared and sent manually.
Booking options can also be determined without carriers having to
be called.