In a significant advancement for China's logistics industry, SF Express and China Southern Airlines' cargo subsidiary have achieved a comprehensive system integration between their respective digital platforms. This collaboration marks a new milestone in the digital transformation of domestic air cargo operations.
The project, initiated in early 2020, involved close cooperation between SF Express's Air Resource Management Department and multiple divisions of China Southern Airlines Cargo. A dedicated project team was established to drive the integration process, according to Pei Xinyang, head of SF Express's Air Resource Management Department.
This integration represents the first complete chain connection between an airline's cargo system and a courier company's logistics platform in China. By November 2023, the partners had successfully implemented the new system across northeastern, central, and northwestern regions of China.
The technological upgrade enables full-process synchronization between SF Express's bulk air shipments and China Southern's cargo operations, achieving unprecedented coordination between information flow and physical logistics. Key features include electronic master air waybill management, online booking, automated space allocation, digital documentation, real-time order modifications, capacity adjustments, shipment tracking, and billing integration.
Tao Chengqing, Chief Engineer of China Southern Airlines Cargo, emphasized that as the airline's first major customer to achieve full system integration, SF Express will benefit from optimized operational coordination. The partnership is expected to significantly improve delivery efficiency and customer retention while reducing reliance on paper documentation.
The environmental impact of this digital transformation is noteworthy, with reduced paper usage contributing to lower carbon emissions. Industry analysts view this collaboration as establishing a benchmark for digital innovation in China's air cargo sector, setting new standards for operational efficiency and technological integration.
This strategic partnership not only strengthens the relationship between the two logistics leaders but also provides a replicable model for digital transformation in China's aviation logistics industry. The successful implementation demonstrates how technological innovation can enhance existing logistics infrastructure while paving the way for future developments in digital air cargo operations.
