AA cargo service boosted by GSA message link

TWO American Airlines (AA) Cargo GSAs are now able to send space reservation request messages to the airline directly from their computer systems, and receive automated FSU (freight status update) messages whenever the shipment's status changes.

The GSAs, IAM in Ireland and Fly Us BV in the Netherlands, both use the Aircountability for Cargo system developed by DABS. The new facility represents an upgrade to the system's existing ability to send manual request messages to AA, which trigger an FSA (freight status answer) to provide post-flight information, a joint statement said.

IAM's MD Ian McCool said: "This will reduce administrative workload for both AA and us as their GSAs. Because of our own system's ability to automatically onforward the information in the FSU, the agent will have timely status information at his fingertips 24/7."

In addition to handling the request, FSU and FSA messages, Aircountability accommodates three other commonly-used standard CargoIMP messages: the FBL (freight booked list), FFM (airline manifest) and the response to the request saying if the space request is accepted. Aircountability is also able to interface with airline systems using Sita's SuperCargo system.

The Aircountability for Cargo system was launched in 1992, and is used by 12 GSAs at 21 locations in 11 countries. The status information is then accessible online via the airline's own website.