Air cargo IT specialist allivate has secured Lufthansa Cargo as a new customer for its FAIR@Link platform, marking a significant step in the digitalisation of import handling at Frankfurt Airport.
As part of the agreement, Lufthansa Cargo will implement the FRA-OS module to enhance and accelerate its import customs processes. The rollout will initially focus on selected e-commerce and general cargo shipments routed through the Neutral Cargo Transfer Point (NFÜP).
FRA-OS, a core module within the FAIR@Link ecosystem, is designed to enable customs-compliant handling of consolidated import shipments by centralising all relevant customs data. This allows parts of the customs process to be initiated automatically, while also delivering full end-to-end shipment visibility on the ground.
A key advantage for Lufthansa Cargo is the ability to defer customs presentation. Traditionally, shipments must be presented to customs immediately after landing. With FRA-OS, however, authorised stakeholders can postpone this step, allowing goods to be transferred directly to customs-bonded warehouses operated by freight forwarders within the airport.
Matthias Hupka, Managing Director of allivate, said: “This is made possible through continuous shipment tracking from the aircraft to the bonded warehouse. With this level of transparency, customs authorities permit presentation at any point within Frankfurt Airport’s customs zone.”
The new process enables eligible shipments to move more efficiently through the import chain. Cargo can be transferred directly from the apron via the NFÜP to freight forwarders, bypassing the need for initial handling and customs clearance at Lufthansa Cargo’s warehouse.
Tobias Braun, Project Manager at Lufthansa Cargo, added: “Deferred customs presentation allows us to hand over shipments to freight forwarders much earlier. For time-critical e-commerce cargo in particular, faster processing delivers clear benefits to our customers.”
Lufthansa Cargo’s integration into FAIR@Link also supports allivate’s efforts to expand the platform’s reach across Frankfurt Airport. In CargoCity South, approximately 90% of handling agents and freight forwarders are already connected to the neutral digital platform.