Africa’s largest air cargo operator, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo & Logistics Services, is set to integrate with the digital freight booking platform WebCargo by Freightos, marking another step toward the digitization of air cargo distribution across global trade lanes.
The partnership with logistics technology company Freightos will allow freight forwarders to search, quote, book, and pay for Ethiopian cargo capacity through a single digital interface, replacing manual processes that have historically dominated the air freight industry.
The integration is expected to include real-time digital rates, electronic booking capabilities, interlining functionality, and access to WebCargo Pay, a payment solution designed to streamline financial transactions between airlines and freight forwarders.
Digitizing Africa’s Largest Cargo Network
Ethiopian Cargo operates the continent’s largest air cargo network, serving more than 145 destinations worldwide through a mix of dedicated freighter aircraft and passenger belly capacity.
By making its inventory available on the WebCargo marketplace, the airline opens its capacity to a broader network of freight forwarders who can instantly compare routes, rates, and schedules when moving cargo between Africa and global markets.
For freight forwarders, the shift represents a significant operational change. Traditional cargo bookings often involve email exchanges, manual rate checks, and long response times. Digital cargo platforms aim to reduce that friction by enabling bookings within seconds.
“Global trade hasn’t only gotten more connected; it’s also become more volatile,” said Pablo Pinillos, CFO and interim CEO of Freightos. “Access to reliable capacity and faster booking tools is increasingly critical for freight forwarders navigating shifting routes, costs, and demand.”
Digital Distribution Comes to Air Cargo
The move reflects a broader trend in logistics where cargo distribution is increasingly migrating to digital marketplaces similar to how airline tickets are distributed through online travel agencies and global distribution systems in the passenger sector.
Platforms like WebCargo allow freight forwarders to search airline capacity in real time and complete bookings without direct negotiation with airline sales teams.
For airlines, the shift provides a new distribution channel that can help optimize capacity utilization and broaden access to smaller and mid-sized freight forwarders globally.
Ethiopian Cargo’s participation also expands digital air freight capacity originating from Africa, improving visibility for shipments connecting the continent to major trade markets including Europe, the United States, China, India, and other intra-African routes.
Payments and Automation Gain Momentum
A notable feature of the integration is WebCargo Pay, which enables digital settlement between freight forwarders and airlines. The system is designed to reduce payment delays and administrative overhead in international cargo transactions.
As cargo volumes continue to grow across emerging markets, automation of booking and payment processes is becoming a key priority for both airlines and logistics providers.
“Digital transformation is a core part of our growth strategy,” said Dereje Derero, Managing Director of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services. “Through our partnership with Freightos, we are enhancing efficiency for freight forwarders by providing digital rates, quoting, and eBooking capabilities.”
Africa’s Cargo Digitalization Moment
The integration also signals a broader shift toward technology adoption across Africa’s aviation logistics sector.
As global supply chains increasingly rely on speed, transparency, and digital connectivity, airlines operating large cargo networks are under pressure to modernize distribution channels and provide easier access to capacity.
With its growing cargo fleet and extensive route network, Ethiopian Airlines has become one of the most influential players in connecting African exports to global markets, from perishables and pharmaceuticals to e-commerce shipments.
Joining a global digital booking platform positions the airline to further strengthen that role while aligning with the logistics industry’s push toward automated and data-driven freight management.
