Air France-KLM-Martinair invests in digitalization

Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo has joined the ranks of carriers investing in digital service offerings this week with the launch of an application programming interface (API) to allow customers to directly connect to its quote and book tool at any time of day.

Called “myCargo,” the platform offers the ability to book up to 4 tonnes of capacity – including pharma shipments.  Shippers and forwarders can also use the platform to request quotes, track their shipments and configure notifications.

While there exists a narrative that the airfreight industry is reluctant to conform to digital options, a recent survey from Air France KLM Martinair would suggest otherwise, which found that about half of its bookings in Europe are being made digitally. “This means, in practice, that about every 20 seconds a quote is requested online during a working day,” GertJan Roelands, vice president of Europe at the carrier said.

The carrier has been promoting myCargo services to its customers will initiatives, such as its “GoSurfing” campaign in Germany and its “What Counts” program, which gives customers credits – e.g., airline ticket discounts – when they use the digital platform.

Lufthansa and, most recently, Cathay Pacific have made similar moves in the digitalization realm, offering booking services to customers via their own platforms.