Cathay Cargo has become the first airline to integrate the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) ONE Record data protocol into its daily operations, well ahead of the industry-wide target set for January 2026.
The cargo airline began using ONE Record in December 2024, partnering with three Chinese mainland freight forwarders – Sinotrans Air Freight, WECAN International Freight Forwarding, and ALL-LINK Logistics – to exchange electronic air waybill (eAWB) and shipment status data via an advanced API.
In January 2025, Sinotrans Hong Kong Air Transportation Development became the first Hong Kong-based forwarder to adopt the system, allowing for real-time shipment tracking.ONE Record is designed to enhance end-to-end transparency in air cargo, providing a standardised digital interface for seamless data exchange across shippers, airlines, warehouses, and customs authorities.
The initiative replaces traditional Cargo Interchange Message Procedure (CIMP) systems, enabling richer data insights such as temperature and geolocation tracking through Cathay Cargo’s Ultra Track solution and Envirotainer’s Releye packaging.
The system’s integration was facilitated by Cathay Cargo’s digital partner, Global Logistics System (HK) Company Limited (GLS), which has spearheaded other digitalisation projects, including the airline’s Click & Ship online booking platform.
As air cargo stakeholders continue to seek efficiency and visibility, Cathay Cargo’s early adoption of ONE Record positions it at the forefront of industry digitalisation, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
Tom Owen, Cathay director cargo, said: “These successful real-world use cases demonstrate the continuing commitment of Cathay Cargo to taking a leadership role in the digitalisation of the air-cargo shipment process. We are well positioned to meet IATA’s ONE Record implementation target of January 2026.”
The technical ease of aligning our key customers’ systems using ONE Record protocols with APIs highlights that there is nothing to fear in making the change and lots to be gained from the operational efficiencies, enhanced security and greater transparency of the overall shipment process.”
Sinotrans’ director of digitalisation, Wen Xuan Zang, said: “We are thrilled to be the first cargo forwarder to partner with Cathay in the roll-out of ONE Record for data communication. This innovative approach will revolutionise our operations, enhancing efficiency and transparency in cargo shipment processes. We look forward to setting new industry standards together with Cathay Cargo and providing our customers with an even higher level of service”…
