CHAMP Cargosystems today announced the selection by Finnair of CHAMP’s Cargospot solutions as part of a five-year transformation plan for the airline’s €200 million cargo business.

This five-year deal includes Cargospot Airline, Handling and Revenue modules to incorporate with GCCS, CHAMP’s global community messaging solution. In addition, CargoWEB, the web booking, distribution and tracking solution, will be provided as a hosted application service provider (ASP) service.

Finnair, the flag carrier of Finland and widely recognised as an industry leader in the use of IT, has been a CHAMP customer for six years and has chosen to migrate to the new-generation Cargospot portfolio to manage the transformation of their cargo business. The new system will drive out costs and improve yields across the airline’s €200 million division.

CHAMP has seen an extensive growth over the last year with 17 airlines choosing Cargospot Airline to help develop their business, reaffirming its position as the leading air cargo system.

Erkka Suvikumpu, vice-president of business development, marketing and IT for Finnair, said: “Having worked with CHAMP for many years we know we have a partner who understands our needs and delivers good service. We want to improve our IT solutions and be in a strong position to take advantage of the upturn in business when it comes. It’s important to Finnair to know that Cargospot will be continuously developed to meet the emerging IT needs of the air cargo industry.”

John Johnston, CHAMP Cargosystems’ CEO, welcomed Finnair’s decision, commenting: “It’s very important to CHAMP that Finnair recognises our commitment to our customers and values our partnership approach. With our Cargospot integrated portfolio, and constant innovation, Finnair can be confident it has the IT tools needed to manage their business effectively.

By incorporating Cargospot Revenue, Finnair will also benefit from expedited billing and improved cash flow, protecting them from delayed charging, incorrect charging, or over charging by other airlines or sales agents.”

CHAMP provides solutions to over 85 airlines and 200 customers worldwide, including GSAs, GHAs and forwarders, and is an IATA strategic partner and CARGO2000 accredited member.