The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to develop standards and increase the use of technology to improve air mail flows.

"IATA and UPU have worked together on cargo matters for 60 years. We both have an interest in the rapid and reliable movement of mail. And technologies like bar coding, RFID and the processing of electronic data provide us with opportunities to improve performance and efficiency. This new agreement will help us achieve this goal," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA Director General and CEO.

The agreement calls for the harmonisation of standards and procedures to improve coordination between airlines, postal administrations and third party handlers and to pave the way for consistent and accurate reporting of mail movement status. Both organisations have also pledged to take better advantage of the growing level of automation within the airline and postal communities by expanding the use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in airmail transport.

 IATA is driving a similar message improvement programme with airlines and freight forwarders to correct the current shortfalls in EDI accuracy and reach.

"Together these efforts will drive cost savings and efficiencies. They compliment our e-freight initiative and will ultimately lead to a paper-free trading environment," said Bisignani.

Sourced From: Avian Media