Digital solutions for air freight processes

Paper-based processes are still widespread in air freight, which can impair efficiency in this sector. To counter this issue, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML are developing digital solutions. A central component of these efforts is the introduction of the data standard „ONE Record“ by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This standard enables the transmission of shipment information in fully digital processes, ensuring real-time data transfer.

On January 27, 2026, the „Air Cargo Connect 360° – ONE Record Conference“ took place in Frankfurt, which was part of the project „Digital Test Field Air Cargo (DTAC)“ funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernization. The event was organized by Fraunhofer IML and aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the ONE Record standard. This standard has been the preferred IATA standard for data exchange in air freight since January 1, 2026.

Technical Basis and Paradigm Shift

The morning program of the conference established a common technical foundation. Participants discussed why ONE Record is considered a central building block for the digitization of air freight. The standard promotes a paradigm shift from document-centric processes to a data-centric information exchange along the entire transport chain. Representatives from IATA, airlines, freight forwarders, and technology providers emphasized that ONE Record lays the groundwork for greater transparency, automation, and collaboration in air freight.

In the afternoon, the content was deepened in two parallel sessions. The „Business & Strategy Track“ focused on organizational and strategic issues. Here, reports from initial productive implementations and a panel discussion on progress and challenges in the introduction of ONE Record were the main focus. Concurrently, the „Technical Track“ provided detailed insights into data models, programming interfaces, security concepts, and open-source approaches such as the NE:ONE server software. Concrete examples were used to practically demonstrate how ONE Record can be technically implemented and further developed.

Outlook on Future Developments

The conference promoted open exchange on existing issues by bringing together business, IT, and technical perspectives. Dr. Harald Sieke, Head of Air Traffic Logistics, emphasized: „The conference enabled open exchange on existing issues. The discussions highlighted that ONE Record is based on a solid technical foundation, but it must also be continuously developed for broad acceptance.“ The focus of further research within the framework of DTAC is now on developing robust business cases to sustainably anchor the use of ONE Record in companies. Increasing practical application is crucial to evidence-based advance the benefits and scalability of the standard.

The „Digital Test Field Air Cargo“ is a research project funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernization with a total volume of over 18 million euros. The project’s goal is to develop digital applications for air freight to achieve a more efficient transport chain through better networking and digital process optimization. Following the first project phase from September 2021 to September 2024, the second phase is currently running until August 2026, in close collaboration with consortium partners from the air freight industry, including the airports of Frankfurt, Cologne, Leipzig, and Munich, as well as companies such as CHI Deutschland Cargo Handling GmbH, DB Schenker, Lufthansa Cargo AG, and Sovereign Speed GmbH.

For more information: www.digitales-testfeld-air-cargo.de