A “paperless’ lane for air freight between Germany and Hong Kong has successfully been established by Lufthansa following the first few weeks of trials which resulted to 100 percent of general cargo shipments processed digitally.

100 percent means not only the electronic air waybill, but also accompanying documents and paper pouches.

This is the first of its kind in the air corridor between Europe and Asia, according to Lufthansa Cargo and Kuehne+Nagel, who are moving jointly forward in view of digitalisation and sustainability in air freight.

Both Lufthansa Cargo and Kuehne+Nagel are encouraging industry players to join them in their efforts to eliminate unnecessary paper documents which can help optimise the entire air freight process.

Interested logistic companies are required to participate in the electronic air waybill (eAWB) single process and the selection of the eFreight Special Handling Code (EAW) for all general cargo when preparing the shipment and paperless delivery to the airline.

Dr. Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, Vice President Global Fulfillment Management at Lufthansa Cargo, said the transition to a paperless environment will significantly reduce processing times plus complexity and offers just-in-time shipment status information. “However, it will only be a first step towards a fully digitalized air freight future; especially accompanying documentation of special cargo will come into our focus soon enough,” he noted.

Kuehne+Nagel plans to further expand the number of similar lanes to eventually build a whole ‘paperless corridor’ between Europe and Asia for general cargo.