Kuehne + Nagel and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) have joined forces to improve integration of electronic bookings.

In a proof of concept that concluded in July, the two companies enabled total host-to-host connection through application programming interface (API) to match available capacity and demand.

For the first time, a carrier and global logistics provider created a direct system-to-system connection to transform manual quotation and capacity booking process into a digital automated solution.

Customers will benefit from AFKLMP Cargo’s digital offering including ad-hoc quotations, capacity availability inquiries, dynamic pricing and real-time e-booking functionalities. The service will be rolled out in Europe and South Asia Pacific.

Ygnve Ruud, member of the managing board responsible for airfreight at Kuehne + Nagel says: “The successful conclusion of our proof of concept with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is a further step forward in eTouch, Kuehne + Nagel’s digital transformation process and initiative to offer a seamless digital customer journey. Thanks to the new interface, we increase speed, accuracy and efficiency – to the benefit of our airfreight customers all over the globe.”

Marcel de Nooijer, executive vice president of Air France KLM Cargo and managing director of Martinair says: “At Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, we keep innovating to provide connected and tailored solutions to our business customers around the world. In this context, enriching Kuehne + Nagel’s in-house systems with our digital services is another step towards the digitisation of our industry.”