Bangalore – Kingfisher Airlines, one of India’s leading airlines, has successfully started using IBS’ iCargoNet, a software as a service (SaaS) version of IBS’ new-generation airline cargo management system (CMS), iCargoGold. iCargoNet now provides a unified, enterprise–wide solution to help manage the entire cargo business of KFA, from planning, sales, operations, ground handling (both inbound and outbound), unit load device (ULD) management to cargo revenue accounting and revenue optimisation functions in an integrated and cost-effective manner.

The system enables the airline to use all the functionalities of a proven integrated CMS while drastically bringing down the total cost of ownership. The implementation comes at a time when Kingfisher Airlines is seeking to grow its cargo business in the domestic market while optimizing its cost of operations.

The solution helps provide Kingfisher Airlines with the scalability to support their aggressive growth plans and offers them the flexibility to adapt to the changing business needs of a rapidly evolving market. iCargoNet will assist the airline in ensuring the profitability of its cargo business by enabling the airline to optimise the inventory of its flights and monitor capacity utilisation as well as the revenue generated by each flight as the flight builds-up and before it takes off.

IBS hosts the iCargoNet solution from its own world-class data centre with the latest technology and support infrastructure that is managed by a 24/7 customer support centre and network-managed services. Being a SaaS, iCargoNet facilitates customers to pay as they use the service.

With this implementation, IBS’ cargo solutions have made their successful entry into the Indian air cargo industry, making Kingfisher Airlines IBS’ first Indian customer for its cargo solutions and the first user of iCargoNet worldwide.

Commenting on the adoption of iCargonet, Mr Rajesh Verma, executive vice-president of Kingfisher Airlines, said: “iCargoNet has been implemented as a unified software solution for seamlessly managing the cargo operations of Kingfisher Airlines. As India’s leading airline with an unmatched route network, it was imperative that our solutions provider offer us a robust and reliable solution that would give us that competitive edge and be scalable in line with our aggressive expansion plans.”

Next-generation cargo management systems

IBS’ suite of next-generation cargo management systems meet the needs of all players in the air cargo industry (scheduled airlines, all-cargo carriers, airports, ground handlers, integrators, forwarders and others), that can be used either as licensed or hosted options, depending on customer’s choice. IBS’ cargo management solutions have been developed in collaboration with six leading cargo carriers and incorporate comprehensive functionality and industry best practices, making the products globally acceptable.

Since the launch of IBS’ cargo program, less than three years ago, 13 global customers have opted for IBS’ new-generation cargo management solutions, with five airlines already using them and eight concurrent implementations in progress.

Chairman and CEO of the IBS Group, VK Mathews, said, “At IBS, our vision for the air transportation industry is to provide new-generation solutions that will be viable and inevitable migration options from the legacy systems that have shackled them for past few decades. We have always been convinced of our ability to make available next-generation solutions that could be industry standards and that will help airlines redefine the way they do their business. We have been innovative and continue to invest in our products and service offerings, not afraid to push the envelope of change.”

“With the successful deployment of iCargoNet, we can proudly claim to have fulfilled our vision by becoming a one-stop-shop for airline cargo solutions. We are extremely glad that Kingfisher Airlines has reposed their trust in IBS and our solution,” he added.

With the steady rise in the number of air cargo providers, IBS plans to take the solution to more players in the air cargo industry in India and globally.