Introduction to ONE Record and GLSHK

The air cargo industry has witnessed significant strides in digitalization, with a major focus on enhancing supply chain efficiency and transparency. At the forefront of this revolution is Cathay Cargo, in collaboration with Global Logistics System HK Co Ltd (GLSHK), a leading technology provider. Together, they have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in utilizing IATA's ONE Record for real-time shipment tracking, setting new standards in the industry.

What is ONE Record?

IATA's ONE Record is a global data-sharing standard that provides a single view of shipments, ensuring end-to-end visibility across the entire air cargo chain. This innovative approach enables seamless data exchange between stakeholders, including shippers, forwarders, airlines, and customs agencies, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing administrative complexities.

Achievements in ONE Record API Usage

Cathay Cargo, along with GLSHK and several forwarders, has successfully integrated the ONE Record API into their day-to-day operations, marking a significant achievement in the air cargo sector. This integration has allowed for the exchange of electronic air waybills (eAWBs) and shipment status updates, leveraging advanced APIs that adhere to the ONE Record protocols.

Key Players and Their Roles

• Cathay Cargo: As the first airline to adopt the ONE Record standard in operational use with forwarders, Cathay Cargo has demonstrated its commitment to digital leadership. Their innovative approach includes integrating ONE Record with other technologies, such as Ultra Track for real-time shipment monitoring.

• GLSHK: This company has been instrumental in developing and implementing the ONE Record API, facilitating seamless integration with Cathay Cargo's systems. GLSHK's expertise in digitalizing air cargo processes has been crucial in enabling forwarders to access shipment data efficiently.

• Forwarders: Companies like Dimerco and Sinotrans have been at the forefront of testing and implementing the ONE Record API in their operations. Their participation highlights the industry's readiness to embrace digital transformation for improved efficiency and customer service.

Benefits of ONE Record API Integration

The integration of the ONE Record API offers several key benefits to the air cargo industry:

• Enhanced Transparency: Provides real-time shipment tracking and monitoring, reducing uncertainty and enhancing customer satisfaction.

• Operational Efficiency: Streamlines data exchange processes, reducing manual errors and the need for paper-based documentation.

• Security and Trust: Ensures secure data sharing across the supply chain, boosting trust among stakeholders.

• Complexity Reduction: Simplifies communication by using standardized data protocols, making it easier for companies to connect their systems.

Real-World Applications and Future Prospects

The adoption of ONE Record by Cathay Cargo and its forwarder partners showcases the practical application of this technology in the industry. The successful deployment of this standard has enabled stakeholders to access richer data sets, including temperature and geolocation information, which is particularly valuable for sensitive shipments.

Future Digitalization Plans

As the air cargo sector continues to evolve, the collaboration between GLSHK, Cathay Cargo, and forwarders like Dimerco and Sinotrans sets a precedent for wider industry adoption. This pioneering work aligns with IATA’s goal to implement the ONE Record standard across the global air cargo network by January 2026.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the integration of ONE Record presents numerous opportunities for efficiency gains, there are also challenges associated with its widespread adoption:

• Interoperability: Ensuring seamless integration across diverse systems and stakeholders remains a critical challenge.
• Data Security: As data exchange increases, maintaining data security and privacy will become more complex.
• Industry Adoption: Encouraging all stakeholders to adopt the ONE Record standard will require concerted efforts and investments in digital infrastructure.

Embracing Digital Transformation

To fully leverage the benefits of ONE Record, companies must be willing to invest in digital transformation. This includes adopting modern technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things) and APIs to enable real-time monitoring and data exchange.

Conclusion

The breakthrough achieved by GLSHK and Cathay Cargo in using the ONE Record API is a testament to the air cargo industry's commitment to innovation and efficiency. As more stakeholders embrace digitalization, the future of air cargo promises greater transparency, reduced complexity, and improved customer satisfaction.