Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Changi Airport Group and Schiphol Nederland B.V. sign MOU to drive the adoption of e-freight and air cargo hub collaboration

The collaboration paves the way for knowledge exchange and joint research and development efforts between the two airports

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Schiphol Nederland B.V. (SNBV) of the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to enhance collaboration on the use and further development of paperless freight documentation for the transport of air cargo between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Singapore Changi Airport. The signing ceremony was witnessed by key stakeholders, including government agencies and trade associations, closely involved with the implementation of e-freight in both Singapore and Amsterdam.

E-freight is an industry-wide initiative involving airports, carriers, ground handlers, freight forwarders, shippers and government agencies. It aims to integrate the air cargo and logistics supply chain by electronically linking stakeholders in the supply chain, promoting the adoption of paperless freight documentation and improving industry capabilities. This enhances data accuracy by reducing repeated manual data entry and boosts supply chain visibility, leading to productivity gains in the air cargo and logistics industry.

Under the MOU, all three parties agree to exchange knowledge and expertise as well as explore the possibilities of joint research and development efforts that aim to stimulate the use of e-freight between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Singapore Changi Airport. The MOU also serves as a stepping stone to further enhance cooperation in other areas related to the seamless and sustainable transport of air freight, and to explore further opportunities of enhancing air cargo flows between the two airports. This includes the exchange of knowledge on the transport of perishables and high tech products by air.

Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General of CAAS, said: “The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore is championing the “e-freight@Singapore” initiative together with our key stakeholders, to strengthen Singapores position as a leading global air cargo and logistics hub. Through this initiative, our industry partners can look forward to improved operational efficiency and enhanced worker productivity as inefficient processes are eliminated.” Mr Yap added, “This MOU, which promotes the adoption of cross-border e-freight, will allow us to benchmark against international best practice and drive e-freight adoption along an important trade lane between Singapore and Europe.”

Mr Lee Seow Hiang, CAGs Chief Executive Officer, said, “Both Singapore Changi Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol are leading air cargo and logistics hubs in Asia and Europe respectively. Our collaboration on e-freight and key air cargo initiatives will benefit airlines, cargo partners and shippers from both regions. For instance, the enabling of end-to-end handling of perishables cargo trade between Asia and Europe presents new value-added services and market growth opportunities for key stakeholders of both airports.”

The MOU was signed at The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) Air Cargo Forum held in Amsterdam from 2 to 4 November 2010. For the first time at this forum, there will be a Singapore Pavilion which will showcase Singapore as a compelling global business and logistics hub in Asia Pacific. CAAS and CAG will co-host the Singapore Pavilion with key Singapore government agencies as well as cargo industry partners. The Singapore Pavilion will also highlight new cargo infrastructure projects such as Coolport@Changi and the Singapore Freeport. These two projects will present new value-added services and market growth opportunities in Asia Pacific. CAG is also exploring route development opportunities with leading cargo carriers at this forum.

For media queries, please contact:

Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg