As expected, Liege Airport will get its own cloud platform. As in the case of Brussels it is being developed by Nallian. But it will not be a copy-paste version, says the latter’s CEO Jean Verheyen.
Even if Brussels Airport was involved in creating its BRUcloud based on Nalian solutions, it has no problems with sharing this technology with other airports, states Mr Verheyen. “There is this
data sharing platform technology that we – as Nalian – have developed.”
The first product in this respect was Cargostream, created to promote supply chain collaboration among shippers by sharing data as well as transport capacity, and it is also used in the Port of
Antwerp’s Nxtport.
“The Nallian platform allows for the building of applications, developed and financed by ourselves or by third parties. BRUcloud was developed by us but financed by Brussels Airport.” In selling
this solution to other airports, they can share in the profits, he explains. “You also mustn’t forget that the eventual users, like DHL, prefer using the same platform in as many locations as
possible.”
Specific apps
Three of the applications already live at BRUcloud, will also be implemented at LGG: the slot booking app, the customs app and the statistics
app. On top of that, Nallian will also install a freight consolidation app – based on its Cargostream technology – to optimise cargo flows from and to the airport.
Given LGG’s ambition as a hub for e-commerce, a specific e-commerce customs app will be developed, which will clear shipments while still in the air, so that the consignments can be on-forwarded
right after landing.
According to LGG, Nallian came out as a clear winner on the tender procedure Liege Airport launched to obtain a cargo cloud solution. “We strongly believe in the company, as it has proven its
concept on other airports. We also believe that added value will come from the past experience in Belgium's biggest logistics community, the Port of Antwerp,” states Steven Verhasselt, VP
Commercial Liege Airport.
The experience Nallian build up in BRU, will indeed help them to build tailored apps the Liege Community need. Conversely, this might be beneficial for BRU, LHR and other airports as well.
Heathrow follows suit
LGG will also get a tracking & tracing app monitoring consignment at and between different airports. “This is based on the app we have developed for Pharma.aero bar the temperature
monitoring,” says Mr Verheyen.
Apart from Brussels and Liege, Nallian has also implemented its technology at London Heathrow which, to date, only uses the freight consolidation app. Further expansion is still in the analysing
phase, says Mr Verheyen.
Final remarks from Steven Verhasselt: “Liege Airport is actually happy that we found the most suitable provider at home in Belgium. We believe it proves that the Belgian air freight industry
leads the innovation the air cargo world needs.”
Marcel Schoeters in Brussels
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