In a major step towards modernizing and streamlining air cargo operations, Pakistan Single Window (PSW) has officially launched the design and development phase of the Airport Community System (ACS). This initiative, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of air freight operations, was unveiled during a National Workshop held in Karachi, where stakeholders gathered to discuss the system’s development and address the current challenges faced by the air cargo sector.
The ACS, an integral part of PSW’s broader efforts to digitize Pakistan’s trade and logistics systems, is designed to facilitate seamless information exchange among various entities in the air freight ecosystem. The system’s primary goal is to digitize and automate the exchange of shipment data, enabling a more efficient and coordinated workflow among stakeholders. This includes airlines, freight forwarders, airport authorities, customs, private transport operators, importers, exporters, agents, and other government departments.
Naveed Abbas Memon, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at PSW, explained that the ACS would play a crucial role in collecting, converting, and disseminating digital shipment data, either through integration or by providing interfaces to stakeholders. He emphasized that the system would help streamline the air cargo process by harmonizing data, simplifying workflows, and eliminating redundant paperwork and approval processes. By doing so, the system would significantly reduce processing times and optimize resource utilization across the air freight sector.
Under the Pakistan Single Window Act of 2021, all public and private entities involved in air cargo operations are required to align their processes and information requirements with the PSW system. This legal framework ensures that the ACS will be integrated across the entire air cargo ecosystem, making it a central hub for air freight operations in Pakistan.
The new system will offer a wide range of services aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs. These include Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Government (B2G), Government-to-Government (G2G), and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) functionalities. These services are expected to improve communication and coordination between the various stakeholders involved in air cargo operations, ultimately leading to faster and more cost-effective processing of shipments.
Furthermore, the ACS will enable better data analytics and reporting capabilities, which will help improve decision-making and operational performance within the air cargo sector. By providing stakeholders with access to real-time, comprehensive data, the system will support more informed decisions, reduce delays, and enhance overall efficiency in air cargo operations.
To ensure that the ACS meets international standards, PSW has engaged two international experts with the support of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). These experts will work closely with PSW to ensure that the system aligns with global best practices while addressing the specific needs of Pakistan’s air cargo sector. Their expertise will help ensure that the ACS is not only effective within Pakistan but also compatible with international air cargo systems, making it easier for local businesses to compete in the global market.
In conclusion, the development of the Airport Community System by Pakistan Single Window marks a significant milestone in the digitization of Pakistan’s air cargo operations. With its focus on efficiency, cost reduction, and streamlined workflows, the ACS promises to transform the air freight sector, fostering smoother trade and contributing to the overall growth of Pakistan’s logistics and transportation industries. As PSW moves forward with this initiative, the air cargo sector is poised to benefit from enhanced digital capabilities that will improve operational efficiencies and bring Pakistan closer to global trade standards.