Icelandair Cargo started implementing e-AWB routes from the Keflavik (KEF) hub on exports in June 2014. There has been exceptional growth since the beginning of 2015, with more routes implemented, resulting in a significant increase in e-AWB penetration, by doubling in just three months.

The majority of export shipments from KEF are directly with Shippers, and Icelandair Cargo sends the original FWB message on behalf of Shipper. This scenario poses some challenges but also opens the opportunity to move fast to e-AWB process for exports. The main challenge is still the need for copy print at destination and the fact that much of the perishable fish shipments cannot delay.

To overcome this issue, Icelandair Cargo has implemented a feature that allows them to send PDF copies of the AWB, based on the FWB data to all concerned parties. The email serves as an alternative solution to the “destination print on demand” and the fresh fish brokers and other concerned parties can get the information straight away from the origin. It helps to speed up the processes considerably at destination, according to the carrier. Icelandair Cargo aims to have all major export routes as e-AWB in a few months time and will switch the focus to import flight routes.