Delta launches air cargo control tower operation

Delta Air Lines Inc. said today it has launched an air cargo control tower operation that will oversee all global transportation operations, including the ability to track shipments moving by air and truck.

The center, which is based in Atlanta, will "know exactly where freight is at all times, anywhere on the globe," said Gareth Joyce, president of Atlanta-based Delta's cargo division. Through the network, the airline will be more proactive in forecasting and identifying potential service issues, a critical factor considering that shippers and freight forwarders are paying a premium to have high-value goods whisked swiftly around the globe.

The center will be a staffed by a cross-divisional team from seven functions: Capacity management, warehouse management, trucking, rebooking, unit load devices (ULD) management, service recovery and call center operations, Delta said. The team will have the ability to view the individual elements of the shipment lifecycle and will be able to identify issues before they take place, as well as provide proactive communication and support in the case of a delayed or cancelled flight, Delta said.

The center will initially be open during business hours Monday to Friday, but will be a 24/7 operation by the end of the year, according to the airline.

Separately, Delta has named Shawn Cole, a 10-year airline veteran, as vice president of the cargo operation, reporting to Joyce. Cole will oversee the airline's logistics operations. Cole has been vice president-finance and corporate planning.