Mercator wins breakthrough deal with Swiss WorldCargo for its Skychain Cargo IT solution

The next generation SkyChain will replace Swiss WorldCargo's existing legacy platform to provide a modern, flexible solution designed to meet market needs for years to come, whilst adhering to the highest possible standards.

The solution, wholly developed by Mercator in Dubai, has been designed to manage every aspect of an airline's cargo business. It transforms information into a powerful asset, with data fully utilised to maximise performance, raise service quality and optimise resources. Processes are streamlined and enhanced, with the latest industry developments, such as IATA's e-freight initiative, being fully supported.

Swiss WorldCargo's focus on serving niche cargo markets will result in the existing SkyChain solution being supplemented with additional modules to ensure maximum advantage to users and customers. Expert teams from Mercator and Swiss WorldCargo will work together on this enhancement project, with the objective of putting the full system into operation in early 2008.

Oliver Evans, Swiss WorldCargo's Chief Cargo Officer, said: "The choice of a new IT platform is probably the most critical decision yet in the young history of Swiss WorldCargo. Mercator's cargo IT solution, to be called Swiss Worx at Swiss WorldCargo, will enable us to consolidate our position at the forefront of the industry in terms of innovation and focus on the needs of specific niches.

"We were not looking for a supplier but for a partner, and we believe we have found a best-in-class solution with Mercator, who have a proven track record of development and implementation."

Patrick Naef, SVP IT Emirates Group and Head of Mercator, said: "Swiss WorldCargo is one of the most forward looking and innovative cargo carriers in the business, and to realise its ambitious growth objectives it is vital that it escapes the constraints of legacy technology.

"Our next generation SkyChain solution has proved to be a great success and it will do so again at Swiss WorldCargo. Working together, Mercator and Swiss WorldCargo will further enrich the system to offer unprecedented flexibility, and the support needed to develop innovative business strategies with confidence."

Customers for Mercator's other cargo systems include: Air New Zealand, Air Niugini, Air Pacific, British Airways, Dnata, Emirates, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, Qantas, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and SriLankan Airlines.

Swiss WorldCargo is the airfreight division of Swiss International Air Line AG. It operates a modern fleet of 46 aircraft and serves a worldwide network of more than 150 destinations in more than 80 countries. Its operations are geared to high-added-value niches and products.