Digital check-in (AMS only)

Air France KLM aims to make the operational cargo handling more efficient by making the process more efficient. An important part of this efficiency is the digital check-in. This ensures a faster operational process for all supply chain partners. The digital check-in via eLink (a Cargonaut system) enables a faster cargo handling process. In the air cargo industry still a lot of paper is being used. With the digital check-in, an important part of this paperwork is digitized.

Speed and a more efficient operational process. Thanks to the digital check-in, time-saving will be realized for all supply chain parties.

The digital check-in means that all steps have been fully prepared by the forwarder & trucking company prior to export delivery at ground handler KLM Cargo;

- Export Control System (ECS): this indicator shows a “green status” when the customs declaration for export cargo has been successfully done and Customs has accepted the ECS message that the shipment will leave the European Union.
- Customs inspection (Customs): this indicator shows a “green status” when Customs has not announced any further customs inspections. This indicator shows a “red status” when Customs has announced an inspection (physical control / FYCO) for the cargo shipment.
- Paperless Goods Tracking System (PGTS): this indicator shows a “green status” when all the PGTS information has been successfully received: i.e. e-AWB, the number of packages and the location. This enables Customs to see the shipment details and location. Thanks to this, a compliant and paperless transfer between the first and second line warehouse is enabled with a considerably faster time is for transport companies during export delivery at the airport (i.e. replacing T1 documents procedures at the ground handler).
- Aviation Security (AvSec): this indicator shows a “green status” when the security status of the shipment has been accepted.
The parties involved need to be a registered agent (RA), the trucking company needs to be known in the EU database and the shipment needs to have the cargo secure status (SPX).
- Paperless indicator: this indicator shows the extent to which an e-AWB shipment is paperless: is it an e-AWB shipment with accompanying documents or not. This indicator shows a “green status” when the required code “EAW” or “EAP” has been filled in by the forwarder in the FWB and this information has been successfully received. This indicator shows a “red status” when this information is missing. EAP means an e-AWB shipment with accompanying documents such as a pouch. EAW means an e-AWB shipment without any accompanying documents. EAP deliveries need a stop at KLM Cargo Documentation using the eLink Priority desk for quick drop-off of the documents, while EAW deliveries are representing the ultimate digital cargo journey and can proceed directly to the warehouse for unloading and export delivery.

The scope of the digital check-in is all export cargo by handler KLM from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Also shipments with an onward connection with KLM partner flights (i.e. Air France or Delta Air Lines) can be checked-in digitally. This service is not yet available at other stations than Amsterdam.

All cargo products can be digitally checked-in.

In case a forwarder or trucking company does not use the digital check-in, the export delivery can still be done at KLM. In that case there is considerably more time needed at cargo acceptance, such as for the documentation process.

To ensure a seamless delivery process with eLink at KLM, you need to:

- Make an eLink visit to prepare the preannouncement (in eLink).
- Send your FWB´s (digitally) prior to arrival to KLM and Cargonaut and receive a FMA confirmation from KLM.
- In eLink you can check whether all eLink indicators show the green status. For KLM also the code EAP or EAW needs to be filled in, in order to experience the benefits of time saving. For shipments without pouch (=EAW), the truck driver can go straight to the KLM warehouse, after swipe at the security lodge, after which the driver enjoys maximum time saving without any stop at Documentation.
- All shipments of a delivery (the whole truck) need to be digitally checked-in.
- Make an eLink trip: fill in the truck driver name and truck plate number and preannounce the trip.

For questions on KLM eLink, you can contact our customer service department, or contact your KLM Account Manager.