Fraport AG develops innovative data exchange platform “FRA-OS”

Fraport AG is digitizing, standardizing, and simplifying a variety of customs and import processes at Frankfurt Airport. Its role as Europe’s leading cargo hub is strengthened by making the freight business faster and more efficient in the future.

Frankfurt) – Fraport AG is developing a digital and innovative data exchange platform for the freight business at Frankfurt Airport in collaboration with the customs office responsible for freight, the Freight Forwarding and Logistics Association of Hesse-Rhineland-Palatinate (SLV), the Association of Air Cargo Handlers in Germany (VACAD), DAKOSY AG, and other partners from the Cargo Community in Frankfurt. The new platform, named “FRA-OS”, will provide numerous process-optimizing applications as a digital marketplace.

Complex customs procedures simplified

After a year of preliminary work in project groups led by Fraport, SLV, and VACAD, as well as initial investments from them, the first building block is now being implemented: Together with DAKOSY Data Communication System AG, Fraport AG is investing in the development of the digital import platform “FRA-OS Import”. Customs and import processes will be standardized, simplified, and accelerated. “FRA-OS Import” automates the data exchange between the companies involved in the customs processes. Complex customs procedures for the submission of imports, which will soon be applicable, will be facilitated. This supports, for example, the risk assessment of imported goods. In addition, individual steps of the import process at the airport will be traceable based on shipments. Customs applications can thus be submitted more precisely and earlier than today. This accelerates the entire import process.

Smoother and more reliable processes expected

“We expect even smoother and more reliable processes from the new import platform,” says Max Philipp Conrady, Head of Central Cargo Infrastructure and Air Freight Development at Fraport AG. “Our goal is to make the work of our location partners easier. We expect significant advantages from the import platform, especially in customs clearance.”In the development, the project partners are building on the already successfully established digital infrastructure of the location. The airport already has one of the best digital freight infrastructures in the world. By the end of 2021, “FRA-OS Import” is expected to be operational. This will further advance the digitization of the freight business at Frankfurt Airport and confirm its role as Europe’s leading cargo hub.

Handling and clearance processes will be shortened

Another feature in the future: Customs will allow submissions in customs warehouses throughout the entire customs area of Frankfurt Airport. Handling and clearance processes will be shortened and optimized. In times of growing e-commerce, consolidated shipments play a particularly significant role. In conjunction with this new regulation, the import platform will simplify the import process for consolidated shipments for all parties involved. The provision of detailed data by shippers and airlines will also be crucial for success.

Goods flows were maintained during the crisis

In recent months, Frankfurt Airport has proven to be an essential cargo hub during what is arguably the most severe crisis in the aviation industry. Through strong collaboration, the Cargo Community maintained the flow of goods and was even able to increase freight volumes at times compared to the previous year.Due to the importance of air freight for global supply chains and the systemic relevance of air freight services in times of crisis, Fraport AG is continuously working to sustainably optimize the freight infrastructure.www.fraport.deImage: © Fraport AG