The International Air Transport Association has successfully deployed a modernized version of its invoicing system CASSLink in the US air cargo market, in collaboration with its wholly owned subsidiary Cargo Network Services (CNS).

IATA worked with IBS Software to develop the new and improved CASSLink. This invoicing system, which serves more than 15,000 freight forwarders, allows billings and payments between airlines and freight forwarders participating in the Cargo Accounts Settlement System (CASS).

Software developer IBS said the new platform is focused on customer experience and features improvements in real-time analytics, self-service capabilities, and a multilingual user interface, including a new tax calculation mechanism and new payment options.

“As air cargo grows, so do the challenges for airlines, freight forwarders and other players in handling payments in an increasingly complex value chain. The air cargo industry has a golden opportunity to influence the global supply chain, making payments simpler and more efficient is critical to enticing and keeping customers,” said Akshay Shrivastava, Head of Consulting & Digital Transformation at IBS Software.

IATA plans to roll out to other markets beginning this quarter until 2023. IATA said CASS served more than 230 GSSAs and over 240 airlines last year processing $57.4 billion, with an on-time settlement rate of 99.999%. It counts 97 operations worldwide.

“The New CASSLink is designed to meet the billing and payment requirements of the air cargo value chain, today and in future. It is the most price competitive solution in the market, with no charge to agents and forwarders,” said Muhammad Albakri, IATA’s Senior VP, Financial Settlement and Distribution Services.