ATLP launches Digital Airfreight Solutions to Bolster Air Cargo

Inaugurated in May 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP) is the first of its kind in the region. It is developed and operated by Maqta Gateway, under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and aims to integrate and facilitate the operations of trade and logistics sectors, and link the sea, land, air, industrial and free zones with all authorities regulating these activities.

The Digital Airfreight Solutions, developed in close collaboration with key partners that include Abu Dhabi Airports, Etihad Airport Services and Etihad Cargo, the new solution will streamline the movement of air cargo shipments to and from all five airports in Abu Dhabi. 

Beyond digitalising and simplifying the processing of air cargo for the benefit of all stakeholders and customers involved, ATLP’s latest solutions will introduce new levels of efficiencies, including reducing waiting times by 80 percent, improving delivery time via customs integration, enhancing track and trace visibility, introducing digital payment channels as well as enhancing warehouse utilisation through an automated appointment system.

Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, Head of Digital Cluster at AD Ports Group and CEO of Maqta Gateway, said: “With the introduction of digital airfreight solutions into ATLP, we have passed a key milestone on our journey to accelerate the digitalisation of trade and logistics in the region. 

“ATLP is taking the next steps towards enhancing transparency across the entire value chain and enabling stakeholders and customers to realise new efficiencies associated with the movement of air cargo to and from Abu Dhabi.

“The continued evolution ATLP is a testament to the leadership’s vision for a fully-integrated logistics ecosystem that positions Abu Dhabi as a leading trade, logistics, and economic hub powered by a formidable and future-ready digital foundation.” 

Dr. Ali Husain Makki, executive director of logistics & trade facilitation sector  at Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said: “This latest step in the continued development of the Advanced Trade Logistics Platform marks an important step in Abu Dhabi’s rapid progress towards becoming a global hub for trade and logistics.

“The ATLP digital airfreight solutions introduce an invaluable tool to ATLP to further consolidate Abu Dhabi’s trade ecosystem and accelerate the facilitation of trade across the UAE and beyond. We look forward to working closely with regional logistics leaders such as AD Ports Group, Etihad Airways to devise novel solutions that can be applied across the entire value chain.”

Francois Bourienne, chief commercial officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Abu Dhabi Airports welcomes the introduction of the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP)’ Digital Airfreight Solutions developed and operated by Maqta Gateway. It is a testament to how collaboration and innovation can help streamline processes to further reinforce Abu Dhabi’s competitive position as a hub for the movement of goods and international trade.

“We are confident that the additional capabilities of the ATLP will have a positive impact on airport and airlines operations by accelerating the movement of air cargo shipments.”