AirAsia Moves to Unisys Cloud-Based Logistics Management System to Manage Cargo Services Across its Extensive Flight Network
Leading Asian low cost carrier replaced legacy cargo management system with modern Unisys cloud-based service in less than six months
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 October, 2015 – Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) today announced that leading low cost carrier AirAsia has cut over to the cloud-based Unisys Logistics Management System (LMS) to manage its domestic and international cargo services across its network of affiliates.
AirAsia Cargo is the award winning cargo division of AirAsia, the world’s best low cost airline awarded by Skytrax1. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, its extensive flight network covers more than 100 destinations across 20 countries in Asia and Australia.
In accordance with the contract which will run for a minimum term of three-and-a-half-years after cutover, Unisys replaced the legacy system with the cloud-based LMS and it is now providing the core cargo system capabilities for AirAsia Cargo and its affiliate companies on a per-air waybill basis, saving the carrier capital investment. The migration from the carrier’s previous system took less than six months and went live in October 2014 to support AirAsia’s growing cargo business2.
The use of this cloud approach means that all AirAsia’s affiliates will benefit from centralised information management and visibility as well as common processes. As the Unisys system is browser-based, authorised users can access it from many devices including personal computers, tablets and other mobile devices.
“AirAsia’s successful business is underpinned by an effective cost management strategy. The Unisys cloud-based model supports this strategy as we were able to cut over to the new system quickly and we pay on a consumption subscription basis. In addition, with multiple AirAsia affiliates transacting business on each other’s service, we needed an integrated system with centralised information management and visibility to further increase efficiency across the organisation,” said Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO.
Mr Olivier Houri, president and general manager of worldwide transportation for Unisys, said: “The cloud-based Unisys LMS is a great fit for AirAsia’s low cost model as implementation was fast and LMS scales to match the carrier’s growth. AirAsia joins a growing and active community of leading cargo airlines that collaborate to shape continual system improvements and innovations.”
Unisys LMS is used by leading airlines worldwide to manage their air cargo business. The cloud-based delivery model allows airlines to reduce costs compared to running in-house systems, and enables enhancements to be deployed each month and made immediately available to clients. The cloud model also helps drives community collaboration in software development among airline clients and enables airlines to respond quickly to constantly changing air cargo industry requirements.
Unisys has more than 45 years of experience providing advanced, mission-critical IT solutions to the aviation industry. More than 20 percent of the world’s air cargo shipments are processed on Unisys solutions. Unisys cargo solutions are used by many of the world’s leading carriers who collaborate via the Unisys Cargo User Group (UCUG). Unisys and UCUG members have worked with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for more than 20 years on initiatives such as e-Freight, Cargo 2000 and XML messaging.