By Eva Richardson | Published on April 2, 2025
Global Logistics System Hong Kong (GLSHK) has taken a significant step in transforming the logistics industry, becoming a trailblazer in the digitalisation of air cargo with its pivotal role in enabling Cathay Cargo to become the first airline to implement the International Air Transport Association (IATA) ONE Record protocol in daily operations.
This milestone achievement places GLSHK at the forefront of a new era in cargo data management, demonstrating its critical role in shaping the future of logistics. By facilitating seamless data exchanges between Cathay Cargo and freight forwarders, GLSHK is setting the standard for a more efficient, transparent, and collaborative supply chain environment.
A Leap Ahead: ONE Record Implementation
The ONE Record protocol, developed by IATA, aims to simplify and standardise data sharing across the air cargo industry. It replaces older methods of communication that were often fragmented and inefficient, promoting a unified platform for better real-time data sharing.
Cathay Cargo, in collaboration with GLSHK, is now successfully exchanging electronic air waybill (eAWB) and shipment status information via a specially designed API that follows the ONE Record protocol. This major achievement was realised a year ahead of IATA’s planned implementation schedule, underscoring the forward-thinking approach of both GLSHK and Cathay Cargo.
“Being a digital enabler for our customers is at the core of our business model,” said Simon Ng, CEO of GLSHK. “Through this collaboration, we are accelerating digital transformation in air cargo. We are proud to have facilitated this milestone, offering an infrastructure that ensures seamless data exchange in real-time between airlines and forwarders.”
Streamlining Logistics with Seamless Data Exchange
The integration of ONE Record into daily operations allows stakeholders to communicate more efficiently and effectively. Freight forwarders on the Chinese Mainland and in Hong Kong are now able to send and receive shipment status updates instantly, improving the accuracy of tracking and reducing delays in communication. This development marks a significant leap towards a fully connected logistics ecosystem, where data flows freely and securely between all players in the supply chain.
This success is not just about technology but also about collaboration. The project involved multiple stakeholders, including Sinotrans Hong Kong Air Transportation Development, which helped implement the ONE Record protocols alongside Cathay Cargo. GLSHK played a central role in coordinating the technical aspects of the project, ensuring that all parties were aligned and working towards a common goal.
“This is a game-changer for the industry,” said Wen Xuan Zang, Director of Digitalisation at Sinotrans. “Thanks to GLSHK’s expertise, we were able to implement ONE Record with Cathay Cargo seamlessly. This partnership is the future of how air cargo operations will be conducted globally.”
The Road Ahead: Scaling Up and Expanding Reach
As part of its long-term vision, GLSHK is already preparing to scale the ONE Record integration across its entire product range. The company’s next step is to incorporate the standard into its EzyCargo platform, a move that will further reduce operational costs and enhance the visibility of shipments across the logistics chain.
GLSHK’s proactive approach to adopting IATA’s ONE Record standards places the company in an excellent position to support other airlines, ground handlers, and forwarders as they transition to this modernised system. The API infrastructure developed by GLSHK is already fully compliant with IATA’s standards, and the company is ready to roll out its services globally.
IATA’s Vision for the Future of Air Cargo
IATA’s Head of Digital Cargo, Henk Mulder, expressed his excitement about the progress made by GLSHK and Cathay Cargo. “IATA’s ONE Record protocol is designed to create an intelligent, decentralised data infrastructure. The success of this real-world application demonstrates the power of secure, real-time data exchanges between various cargo stakeholders. We are thrilled to see these innovations come to life.”
The real-world success of GLSHK’s ONE Record implementation highlights the growing trend of digital transformation within the air cargo sector. By reducing manual processes and facilitating automated data exchanges, stakeholders can now enjoy faster, more reliable services that enhance the efficiency of cargo operations worldwide.
Transforming Air Cargo Operations
Cathay Cargo’s Director, Tom Owen, echoed the importance of the project: “GLSHK has been instrumental in positioning Cathay Cargo as a leader in the digitalisation of air cargo. Their expertise in facilitating data exchanges has allowed our forwarder customers to align quickly with the ONE Record protocol, resulting in improved efficiency, transparency, and overall customer satisfaction.”
The integration of ONE Record is just the beginning. As air cargo continues to evolve, digital enablers like GLSHK will play a key role in helping the industry realise its full potential, fostering a more streamlined and connected future.
