Dnata Cargo launches new generation cargo ground handling system in Dubai

Published July 28th, 2004 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Dnata Cargo, part of the Emirates Group and the leading cargo handling company in the Middle East, has launched Chameleon - a new generation cargo ground handling system throughout its cargo operations in Dubai. 

 

The new system and its benefits were unveiled to Dnata’s customers at a special luncheon event held in Dubai Tuesday. 

 

Chameleon is an entirely new system developed by Mercator, the IT division of the Emirates Group. It is designed to transform the way cargo is handled throughout the freight and supply chain, harnessing the latest technology to streamline cargo operations and improve service standards throughout the cargo business.  

 

Dubai is currently ranked the 18th largest cargo traffic airport in the world. With a tremendous annual growth rate of over 20 percent, Dubai handled nearly 957,000 tonnes of air cargo in 2003, and this expanding of volume is expected to continue over the next few years.  

 

Jean Pierre De Pauw, Dnata Cargo’s Senior Vice President said: “Dnata is gearing up to meet the challenges of Dubai’s fast-paced cargo business with Chameleon.  

 

“The new system improves supply chain management and lets us monitor and control our ground handling operations more effectively. It also uses the most accurate and powerful management information systems, allowing us to offer customers an unrivalled service and enhance Dubai’s role as a major global hub.” 

 

De Pauw added that Chameleon will progressively bring Dnata’s customers a whole host of new benefits including improved transparency and traceability of shipments, faster shipment delivery, improved service levels through reduction in operations errors, and acceptance of shipments closer to flight departure times – which means airline customers can maximise revenues as they will have more opportunities to book additional shipments.  

 

“This new software and platform opens the door for a multitude of cargo solutions, many of which have already been incorporated in this first roll-out, while others are currently being worked on. Expect further exciting announcements ahead, as we bring Chameleon to full maturity,” he said. 

 

Joshua Koshy, Mercator’s Senior Vice President IT said: “We have invested significantly in developing Chameleon. It is an air cargo product which rivals the best in the world, and will prove to be a winner for the entire cargo industry. 

 

“We have used the latest technology coupled with an easy-to-operate user interface. Chameleon is designed to take care of the entire management and monitoring of cargo consignments, from the moment a shipment is delivered to the airline or its ground handler, right through to delivery at the destination airport.  

 

“Going forward, we’re dedicated to the continual development of the system, so that Chameleon and Dnata are always ahead of the industry’s needs. One of the exciting new features soon to be launched is e-commerce functionality.” (menareport.com) 

© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)