DNATA launches new Cargo System to meet Dubai's Cargo Growth

Dnata Cargo, part of the Emirates Group and a leading cargo handling company in the Middle East, has launched Chameleon - a new generation cargo ground handling system throughout its cargo operations in Dubai.

Chameleon is an entirely new system developed by Mercator, the IT division of the Emirates Group. It is designed to transform the way cargo is handled throughout the freight and supply chain, harnessing the latest technology to streamline cargo operations and improve service standards throughout the cargo business.

Dubai is currently ranked the 18th largest cargo traffic airport in the world. With a tremendous annual growth rate of over 20 percent, Dubai handled nearly 957,000 tonnes of air cargo in 2003, and this expanding of volume is expected to continue over the next few years.

Jean Pierre De Pauw, Dnata Cargo’s Senior Vice President said: “Dnata is gearing up to meet the challenges of Dubai’s fast-paced cargo business with Chameleon.

“The new system improves supply chain management and lets us monitor and control our ground handling operations more effectively. It also uses the most accurate and powerful management information systems, allowing us to offer customers an unrivalled service and enhance Dubai’s role as a major global hub.”

Mr De Pauw added that Chameleon will progressively bring Dnata’s customers a whole host of new benefits including improved transparency and traceability of shipments, faster shipment delivery, improved service levels through reduction in operations errors, and acceptance of shipments closer to flight departure times - which means airline customers can maximise revenues as they will have more opportunities to book additional shipments.

“This new software and platform opens the door for a multitude of cargo solutions, many of which have already been incorporated in this first roll-out, while others are currently being worked on. Expect further exciting announcements ahead, as we bring Chameleon to full maturity,” he said.

Joshua Koshy, Mercator’s Senior Vice President IT said: “We have invested significantly in developing Chameleon. It is an air cargo product which rivals the best in the world, and will prove to be a winner for the entire cargo industry.

“We have used the latest technology coupled with an easy-to-operate user interface. Chameleon is designed to take care of the entire management and monitoring of cargo consignments, from the moment a shipment is delivered to the airline or its ground handler, right through to delivery at the destination airport.

“Going forward, we’re dedicated to the continual development of the system, so that Chameleon and Dnata are always ahead of the industry’s needs. One of the exciting new features soon to be launched is e-commerce functionality.”

Flexibility is a key feature of the system, which can be deployed in a multiple terminal cargo operation, regardless of the level of mechanisation. Chameleon also enables full radio data communication on mobile computers and handheld terminals, which results in interactive flow control, piece level tracking, and a reduction in errors. The system improves productivity and service levels by automating workflow, enabling paperless internal processes, and monitoring all processes and performance.

Chameleon is now “live” throughout Dnata’s cargo facilities at the Main Cargo Terminal (MCT) in Dubai Cargo Village, the Free Zone Logistics Centre Air Cargo Terminal (FLC) at the Dubai Airport Free Zone, the Jebel Ali Air Cargo Terminal (FACT) at Jebel Ali Free Zone, and Dnata’s Express Handling Centre, a purpose-built facility that supports the import, export and transhipment handling for the more than 20 express and courier companies in Dubai.

The Chameleon cargo system will also be adopted soon by Emirates SkyCargo.