February 6, 2014 –Omsan Logistics, a leading Turkish independent freight forwarder, has become one of the first three logistics providers in the country to complete full e-AWB shipments – thanks to the groundbreaking Worldwide Information Network (WIN) connectivity platform.

This significant achievement has been warmly welcomed as a significant step forward for independent forwarders by both IATA and Turkish Airlines. In what is believed to be an industry first, Omsan used a single platform (WIN) for the entire process, from joining the IATA Multilateral e-AWB Agreement, to approval and then electronically transmitting all relevant data and documents.

IATA has been pushing e-AWB adoption hard and Global Head of Cargo, Des Vertannes, has identified the significant progress WIN has made in helping the independent sector. “I am delighted to see an industry-solution like WIN providing a simple and cost effective pathway to participate in e-AWBs. The experience of Omsan demonstrates that for independent forwarders the efficiencies and process benefits of joining the Multilateral e-AWB Agreement and adopting the e-AWB are real and tangible.”

Omsan Logistics Air Cargo Manager Nesli Başoğlu explained the process. “Early in the new year we began using WIN to send electronic AWB data to several of our carriers, but also sending the printed AWB in parallel. We then used the convenient and simple ‘Click to Agree’ function on the WIN website to automatically join the IATA Multilateral e-AWB Agreement. It only took a short time for Turkish Airlines to monitor the data quality and then send us the e-AWB activation notice.”

Nesli Başoğlu stated that the “e-AWB system enables paperless and accurate work processes that help reducing operational costs, avoids delays resulting from document losses and speeds-up the delivery of air freight shipments”.

Once the activation notice was received on 24 January Omsan immediately began sending full e-AWB shipments with the carrier. “We began with European shipments and will soon expand this to other markets. We are very strong in the Turkish market and highly-regarded for our innovation and service.”

Başoğlu says the benefits of using full e-AWB are immediate. “We are saving 8-10 Euros per shipment with Turkish carriers and this rises up to more than 10 Euros with other carriers. Paperless AWBs are saving us time, increasing our efficiencies and reducing waste. We believe that this is certainly a competitive advantage. This is good for us, our partner agents and our customers.”

With hundreds of forwarding companies now having signed up to WIN, Managing Director John DeBenedette, is delighted to see participants now reaping the benefits. “We built WIN to give independent forwarders an economical way of achieving global connectivity and stay ahead of the technology curve in the logistics industry. With our e-AWB solution we are doing our part to advance air cargo’s e-Freight initiative and, most importantly, ensure the independent sector can participate.”