Fraport Develops Innovative Data Exchange Platform “FRA-OS” for Cargo Handling at Frankfurt Airport

“FRA-OS Import” automates the data exchange between all parties involved in the import processes. This will facilitate customs procedures, including those which in the near future will be required for the presentation of goods for customs clearance.

Fraport AG is developing an innovative digital data exchange platform for freight handling at Frankfurt Airport. The project is carried out in cooperation with the Freight Unit of the German Customs Office, the Freight Forwarding and Logistics Association of Hesse/Rhineland-Palatinate (SLV), the Association of Air Cargo Handlers in Germany (VACAD), as well as DAKOSY AG and other partners from the cargo community at Frankfurt Airport. The new platform, “FRA-OS”, will serve as a digital marketplace providing numerous applications for process optimization.

Following a year of preparation headed by Fraport, SLV and VACAD as well as initial investments by these parties, a first element of the project is now being implemented. Together with the German software company DAKOSY, Fraport AG is investing in the development of the digital import platform “FRA-OS Import”. This platform will help standardize, simplify and speed up customs and import processes at Frankfurt Airport. “FRA-OS Import” automates the data exchange between all parties involved in the import processes. This will facilitate even complex customs procedures, including those which in the near future will be required for the presentation of goods for customs clearance. For example, the system will be able to support the risk assessment of goods to be imported. Moreover, the platform can provide shipment-related information on every single step along the import process at the airport. This will allow customs applications to be submitted earlier and with greater precision than is currently the case, hence speeding up the entire import process.

Max Philipp Conrady, head of cargo infrastructure and development at Fraport AG, said: “We expect the new import platform to result in even smoother and more reliable processes. Our aim is to make work easier for our on-site partners. In particular, we expect the import platform to deliver significant benefits regarding the presentation of goods for customs clearance.”

In developing the platform, the project partners are building on the established and successful digital infrastructure at FRA. Frankfurt Airport already has one of the best digital freight infrastructures in the world. “FRA-OS Import” will be ready for use before the end of 2021. With this move, Frankfurt Airport is pressing ahead with the digitalization of its freight business and reinforcing its position as Europe’s leading cargo hub.

Another notable development is that, in the future, goods may be presented for clearance at all customs storage facilities across Frankfurt Airport’s defined customs area. This will shorten and optimize the handling and clearance processes, particularly for consolidated shipments, which are becoming ever more important due to growing e-commerce demand. In conjunction with the new regulation, the import platform will simplify the import process for consolidated shipments — under the condition that shippers and airlines provide detailed data.

In recent months, Frankfurt Airport has proven to be a vital hub for cargo shipment and distribution during what is the most serious crisis of the aviation industry. Thanks to strong cooperation, the cargo community has maintained the flow of goods during these difficult times, with freight volumes partially even exceeding previous year’s levels.

In view of the importance of airfreight for global supply chains and the systemic relevance of airfreight services in times of crisis, Fraport remains committed to continually and sustainably enhancing the cargo infrastructure at Frankfurt Airport.