Lufthansa Cargo is joining FAIR@Link, the digital air cargo platform operated by allivate, as part of an initiative to simplify and accelerate import customs processes at Frankfurt Airport.
The airline will initially use the platform’s FRA-OS module for selected e-commerce and general cargo shipments transported through the Neutral Cargo Transfer Point (NFÜP).
FRA-OS is designed to bring customs-related information together on a single digital platform, allowing parts of the customs process to be automated while providing end-to-end visibility of shipments once they arrive at the airport.
One of the main advantages for Lufthansa Cargo is the possibility of deferred customs presentation. Under standard procedures, the handling agent must present imported cargo to customs immediately after the aircraft lands. With FRA-OS, authorised participants can instead arrange for eligible shipments to be presented later at customs-bonded warehouses operated by freight forwarders within Frankfurt Airport’s customs area.
Continuous shipment tracking from the aircraft to the bonded warehouse provides the transparency required for this process, according to Matthias Hupka, Managing Director of allivate.
For Lufthansa Cargo, the digital workflow allows eligible import shipments to take a more direct route through the airport. Cargo can move from the aircraft apron through the NFÜP directly to freight forwarders, avoiding an additional processing stage in Lufthansa Cargo’s handling warehouse before release.
Tobias Braun, Project Manager at Lufthansa Cargo, said deferred customs presentation allows the airline to hand cargo over to freight forwarders considerably earlier. He highlighted the particular benefits for time-sensitive e-commerce shipments, where faster processing can have a direct impact on delivery times and customer experience.
The partnership also expands the reach of FAIR@Link at Frankfurt Airport. Around 90% of handling agents and freight forwarders in CargoCity South are already participating in the neutral platform.
The integration of Lufthansa Cargo represents another step in the digitalisation of Frankfurt’s air cargo import processes. As more stakeholders join the platform, allivate expects greater opportunities to standardise customs procedures, reduce the number of interfaces between companies and improve the overall flow of cargo through the airport.
