GLSHK and Cathay Cargo Achieve Landmark in ONE Record API Integration
Global Logistics System Hong Kong (GLSHK), a strategic partner of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has played a pivotal role in setting the foundation and standards for the IATA ONE Record protocol. Recently, GLSHK helped Cathay Cargo become the first airline to implement the ONE Record protocol for day-to-day operations, facilitating electronic air waybill (eAWB) and shipment status exchanges through an API that adheres to ONE Record data standards.
This significant milestone was reached one year ahead of IATA’s target implementation date, thanks to the digital interface developed, designed, and hosted by GLSHK. Simon Ng, Chief Executive of GLSHK, shared, “We are committed to being forward-thinking and empowering our customers to move faster and further. In this case, we managed the technical coordination between Cathay Cargo and Sinotrans Hong Kong Air Transportation Development, enabling smooth data exchanges using the ONE Record format.”
GLSHK has been involved with the ONE Record protocol since its inception, with a longstanding partnership with Cathay Cargo dating back to 2019. That year, GLSHK launched an API service in the ONE Record format to help freight forwarders exchange tracking and air waybill data with airlines. In 2023, GLSHK once again collaborated closely with Cathay Cargo to oversee the technical coordination required for the successful deployment of ONE Record with Sinotrans on the Chinese Mainland and in Hong Kong.
“Our next milestone is to integrate the ONE Record standard into our products, starting with EzyCargo,” Ng added. “This will streamline processes, reduce costs, and promote seamless data sharing across the logistics chain.”
In preparation for the transition next year, GLSHK’s technology is already compliant with IATA’s ONE Record standards, enabling it to provide advanced services to forwarders, airlines, ground-handling agents, and other stakeholders. This compliance is expected to enhance efficiency and visibility in the shipment process.
Cathay Cargo Director, Tom Owen, praised GLSHK’s support: “GLSHK has been a vital digital enabler for our airfreight operations. Their expertise has helped our forwarder customers align with ONE Record protocols through APIs, leading to greater efficiency and transparency. GLSHK’s contributions have helped position Cathay Cargo as a leader in air cargo digitalisation.”
Sinotrans Director of Digitalisation, Wen Xuan Zang, also highlighted the positive impact of the collaboration: “We’re proud to be the first cargo forwarder to work with Cathay Cargo and GLSHK on the ONE Record rollout. This innovative approach will revolutionise our operations and enhance both efficiency and transparency.”
GLSHK stands as the first technology provider to complete the full ONE Record testing suite offered by IATA, ensuring the compliance of its API. This expertise will be instrumental in assisting future customers with their own ONE Record API implementations, offering guidance throughout the entire process.
IATA’s Head of Digital Cargo, Henk Mulder, concluded: “I am thrilled to see a real-world example of how the ONE Record data-sharing standard is improving communication and data access across cargo stakeholders. This infrastructure will drive greater efficiency and collaboration in logistics.”
