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EgyptAir Cargo has implemented Cargo Flash Infotech’s nGen Integrated Cargo Management System to fully digitise its cargo operations and replace outdated legacy systems.
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The cloud-based system increases transparency, reduces turnaround times, and positions the airline to meet rising demand and global standards such as IATA’s One Record.
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This move supports Egypt’s goal to transform Cairo into a logistics hub and offers a blueprint for other African carriers pursuing digital transformation in airfreight.
EgyptAir Cargo has embarked on a major technological overhaul by implementing Cargo Flash Infotech’s flagship nGen Integrated Cargo Management System (ICMS), signalling a strategic push towards operational modernisation and data-driven logistics. The partnership marks a significant milestone in the carrier’s bid to establish itself as a digitally advanced cargo operator within Africa and the Middle East’s competitive aviation market.
The nGen ICMS, a comprehensive, cloud-based cargo management platform developed by India-headquartered Cargo Flash Infotech, will replace EgyptAir Cargo’s legacy systems with an integrated digital ecosystem. It automates every stage of cargo operations, from booking and documentation to warehousing and final delivery, and introduces real-time tracking, proactive control, and streamlined communication across the value chain.
“Digital transformation is at the core of our strategic direction,” said Capt. Ehab El-Tahtawi, Chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Cargo. “We are committed to building a future-ready cargo ecosystem powered by data, innovation, and global best practices. Our partnership with Cargo Flash is one of several steps we are taking to modernise operations and deliver smarter, more efficient solutions to our customers.”
A Competitive Response to a Growing Market
EgyptAir Cargo’s investment in digitalisation comes amid a broader push by African and Middle Eastern carriers to strengthen cargo competitiveness. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), African carriers recorded a 10.2% year-on-year increase in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs) in 2024, driven by robust trade with Asia and Europe. However, the region’s cargo operators continue to face challenges including infrastructure constraints, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and inconsistent adoption of digital platforms.
The new system positions EgyptAir Cargo to respond to these pressures by increasing transparency and reducing turnaround times. With Africa projected to account for 5% of global air cargo volumes by 2030 (up from 2% in 2024, per ICAO forecasts), carriers like EgyptAir are under growing pressure to modernise systems to handle complex, high-value trade flows.
The Role of Technology in Cargo Competitiveness
The rollout of nGen ICMS was overseen by Cargo Flash’s Vice President of SaaS Products, Neha Kumari, who led a team focused on improving “end-to-end shipment visibility and operational transparency.” This emphasis reflects a shift in cargo industry dynamics, where efficiency gains increasingly hinge on digital workflows rather than physical infrastructure expansion.
Cloud-based cargo systems like nGen enable carriers to offer advanced services, including predictive analytics for shipment management, automated customs integration, and AI-driven demand forecasting. For shippers, this translates into improved reliability, enhanced compliance with trade regulations, and a reduction in paperwork-heavy processes—an area where African carriers have historically lagged.
Jasraj S. Chug, Co-founder and Director of Cargo Flash, framed the partnership as “a strategic alignment of vision and capabilities,” adding that the platform will enable EgyptAir Cargo to “scale efficiently in a competitive global landscape.”
Aligning with Regional Policy Goals
EgyptAir Cargo’s digitalisation efforts are aligned with Egypt’s ambition to develop Cairo as a regional logistics hub, supported by investments in airport infrastructure and free trade zone development. Africa’s rapidly expanding e-commerce market, valued at $30 billion in 2024 (according to the World Bank), is fuelling demand for reliable air cargo services, making digital integration a policy priority for several governments across the continent.
The nGen system’s integration capabilities will also allow EgyptAir Cargo to comply with international digital standards such as IATA’s One Record initiative, which seeks to create a single, standardised record for every shipment. For EgyptAir, adopting globally recognised digital protocols could bolster its position in securing interline agreements and partnerships with international carriers.
A Blueprint for Regional Carriers
While the transformation is still in its early stages, EgyptAir Cargo’s partnership with Cargo Flash sets a precedent for other regional carriers seeking to scale digital capabilities. As African air cargo demand rises, modernisation will be critical for local airlines to compete with entrenched global hubs such as Dubai and Doha, where digital ecosystems already underpin cargo operations.
For EgyptAir Cargo, the deployment of nGen ICMS is more than a systems upgrade; it signals a strategic evolution from a traditional carrier to a technology-enabled logistics player. If successfully implemented, the initiative could provide a blueprint for other national carriers navigating the complex intersection of policy, trade facilitation, and customer expectations.
