Air Freight Master Data
Overview
Master data forms the foundation of the Air Freight module. This document describes all master data records that need to be set up before creating air freight transactions.
Airline
Purpose
Airline master contains information about airlines that provide air cargo services for air freight shipments.
Key Fields
- Code: Unique identifier for the airline (auto-generated or manual, unique)
- Airline Name: Full name of the airline
- Airline Numeric Code: IATA numeric code
- Two Character Code: IATA two-character code
- Three Letter Numeric Code: ICAO three-letter code
- Logo: Airline logo image (optional)
- Short Name: Short name or abbreviation
- Address: Link to Address master
- Is Active: Checkbox to indicate if the airline is currently active
Performance & Operations
- Airline Performance Score: Overall performance score
- On-Time Performance %: On-time performance percentage
- Damage Rate %: Damage rate percentage
- Capacity Utilization %: Capacity utilization percentage
- Preferred Carrier: Checkbox indicating if this is a preferred carrier
- Carrier Contract Terms: Contract terms and conditions
- Fuel Surcharge Rate: Fuel surcharge rate
- Security Surcharge: Security surcharge amount
Memberships Tab
In the Memberships tab, you can link airline memberships (e.g., IATA, alliances).
Usage
Airline is referenced in: - Air Shipment documents - Master Air Waybill documents - Air Consolidation documents - Flight Schedule records - Air Freight Rate configuration
Best Practices
- Use standard IATA codes for airline identification
- Keep airline records active/inactive based on current business relationships
- Maintain performance metrics for carrier selection
- Update contract terms and surcharges regularly
- Keep airline information current
Airport Master
Purpose
Airport Master stores comprehensive information about airports worldwide, including IATA and ICAO codes, location data, and capabilities.
Key Fields
Airport Information
- Airport Name: Full name of the airport (required)
- IATA Code: 3-letter IATA code (required, unique)
- ICAO Code: 4-letter ICAO code (unique)
- Airport Type: Type of airport (Airport, Heliport, Seaplane Base, etc.)
- City: City where airport is located
- Country: Country where airport is located
- Timezone: Airport timezone
Location
- Latitude: Airport latitude coordinates
- Longitude: Airport longitude coordinates
- Altitude (Meters): Airport altitude in meters
- GMT Offset: GMT offset
- DST: Daylight Saving Time information
Capabilities
- Is Cargo Hub: Checkbox indicating if airport is a cargo hub
- Is International: Checkbox indicating if airport handles international flights
- Has Customs Facility: Checkbox indicating customs facility availability
- Supports Dangerous Goods: Checkbox indicating DG handling capability
- Supports Live Animals: Checkbox indicating live animal handling capability
- Supports Refrigerated: Checkbox indicating refrigerated cargo capability
Contact Information
- Website: Airport website
- Phone: Airport phone number
- Email: Airport email address
- Address Line 1: Physical address
- Address Line 2: Additional address information
- Postal Code: Postal code
Status
- Is Active: Checkbox indicating if airport is currently active
- Disabled: Checkbox indicating if airport is disabled
Usage
Airport Master is referenced in: - Air Shipment (Origin Port, Destination Port) - Master Air Waybill documents - Air Consolidation - Flight Schedule records - Flight Route records - Air Freight Rate configuration
Best Practices
- Always use standard IATA codes (3-letter codes)
- Maintain accurate ICAO codes (4-letter codes)
- Keep location coordinates accurate
- Update capabilities based on actual airport facilities
- Maintain active/inactive status based on operations
- Keep contact information current
Flight Route
Purpose
Flight Route master stores information about flight routes between airports, including transit points and route details.
Key Fields
- Route Code: Unique identifier for the route
- Origin Airport: Origin airport (IATA code)
- Destination Airport: Destination airport (IATA code)
- Transit Points: Intermediate airports if applicable
- Route Distance: Distance in kilometers
- Estimated Flight Time: Estimated flight duration
- Is Active: Checkbox indicating if route is currently active
Usage
Flight Route is referenced in: - Flight Schedule records - Route planning and optimization - Consolidation routing
Best Practices
- Create routes for commonly used paths
- Maintain accurate distance and time information
- Update routes as airline routes change
- Keep route status current
Flight Schedule
Purpose
Flight Schedule master stores detailed flight schedule information including departure/arrival times, aircraft details, and cargo capacity.
Key Fields
Flight Information
- Flight Number: Flight number
- Airline: Link to Airline master
- Aircraft Type: Type of aircraft
- Registration: Aircraft registration number
- Flight Status: Current flight status
Departure Information
- Departure Airport: Origin airport
- Departure Terminal: Departure terminal
- Departure Gate: Departure gate
- Scheduled Departure: Scheduled departure time (UTC)
- Estimated Departure: Estimated departure time
- Actual Departure: Actual departure time
- Departure Timezone: Departure timezone
Arrival Information
- Arrival Airport: Destination airport
- Arrival Terminal: Arrival terminal
- Arrival Gate: Arrival gate
- Scheduled Arrival: Scheduled arrival time (UTC)
- Estimated Arrival: Estimated arrival time
- Actual Arrival: Actual arrival time
- Arrival Timezone: Arrival timezone
Flight Details
- Delay Minutes: Flight delay in minutes
- Flight Duration Minutes: Flight duration in minutes
- Distance (KM): Flight distance in kilometers
- Cargo Capacity (KG): Total cargo capacity in kilograms
- Available Cargo Capacity (KG): Available capacity in kilograms
- Cargo Booked (KG): Booked cargo weight in kilograms
Tracking Information
- Latitude: Current latitude
- Longitude: Current longitude
- Altitude (Meters): Current altitude
- Speed (KM/H): Current speed
- Heading: Current heading
- Last Position Update: Last position update timestamp
- Is On Ground: Checkbox indicating if aircraft is on ground
Usage
Flight Schedule is referenced in: - Master Air Waybill documents - Air Shipment documents (for flight selection) - Capacity management - Real-time flight tracking
Best Practices
- Keep flight schedules updated regularly
- Enable auto-sync if using external flight schedule APIs
- Monitor flight status and update delays
- Track cargo capacity for booking management
- Maintain accurate tracking information
Unit Load Device (ULD)
Purpose
Unit Load Device (ULD) master stores information about ULD types used in air cargo operations, including capacity and specifications.
Key Fields
- ULD Code: Unique identifier for the ULD type
- ULD Name: Name of the ULD type
- ULD Type: Type of ULD (e.g., AKE, ALF, PMC)
- Capacity (KG): Weight capacity in kilograms
- Volume (CBM): Volume capacity in cubic meters
- Dimensions: Physical dimensions
- Is Active: Checkbox indicating if ULD type is currently active
Usage
ULD is referenced in: - Air Shipment documents (ULD assignment) - Capacity planning - ULD tracking
Best Practices
- Use standard ULD type codes
- Maintain accurate capacity information
- Keep ULD specifications current
- Update active/inactive status as needed
Shipper and Consignee
Purpose
Shipper and Consignee are parties involved in air freight shipments. These are typically managed as separate master data or linked to Customer/Supplier records.
Key Fields
- Code: Unique identifier
- Name: Full name of the party
- Address: Physical address
- Contact: Contact person and details
- Country: Country of origin/destination
Usage
Shipper and Consignee are referenced in: - Air Shipment documents - Master Air Waybill documents - Shipping documents and air waybills
Best Practices
- Maintain accurate address and contact information
- Link to Customer/Supplier masters for integrated operations
- Keep party information updated
Freight Agent
Purpose
Freight Agent master contains information about freight forwarding agents that may be involved in shipments.
Key Fields
- Code: Unique identifier for the agent
- Agent Name: Full name of the agent
- Agent Type: Type of agent (customer agent, supplier agent)
- Address: Physical address
- Is Active: Checkbox to indicate if the agent is currently active
Usage
Freight Agent is referenced in: - Air Shipment documents - Master Air Waybill documents - Agency network management
Best Practices
- Maintain agent relationships and commission structures
- Keep agent information current
- Track active/inactive agent status
Dangerous Goods
Purpose
Dangerous Goods master contains information about dangerous goods substances, classes, and compliance requirements.
Key Fields
- DG Code: Unique identifier for the dangerous goods substance
- DG Name: Name of the dangerous goods substance
- DG Class: Dangerous goods class
- UN Number: UN number for the substance
- Packing Group: Packing group classification
- Is Active: Checkbox indicating if DG is currently active
Usage
Dangerous Goods is referenced in: - Air Shipment Packages (DG information) - Dangerous Goods Declaration - DG compliance validation
Best Practices
- Maintain comprehensive DG database
- Keep DG classifications current with IATA regulations
- Update UN numbers and packing groups accurately
- Maintain active/inactive status
Master Data Relationships
The following diagram shows how master data records relate to each other:
Airline
├── Referenced in: Air Shipment, Master AWB, Consolidation, Flight Schedule
└── Memberships (IATA, Alliances)
Airport Master
├── Referenced in: Air Shipment, Master AWB, Consolidation, Flight Schedule, Flight Route
└── Capabilities (Cargo Hub, Customs, DG Support)
Flight Schedule
├── Airline (linked)
├── Origin/Destination Airports (linked)
└── Referenced in: Master AWB, Air Shipment
Flight Route
├── Origin/Destination Airports (linked)
└── Referenced in: Flight Schedule, Consolidation
ULD
└── Referenced in: Air Shipment (ULD assignment)
Shipper/Consignee
└── Referenced in: Air Shipment, Master AWB
Freight Agent
└── Referenced in: Air Shipment, Master AWB
Dangerous Goods
└── Referenced in: Air Shipment Packages, DG Declaration
Setup Sequence
Recommended sequence for setting up master data:
- Airports: Set up airports first as they are referenced by other masters
- Airlines: Create airline records
- Flight Routes: Set up flight routes linked to airports
- Flight Schedules: Create or import flight schedules
- ULDs: Set up ULD types if applicable
- Shippers and Consignees: Set up party masters
- Freight Agents: Configure agent network if applicable
- Dangerous Goods: Create DG database if handling dangerous goods
Maintenance
Regular Updates
- Review and update airline status (active/inactive)
- Verify airport codes and capabilities
- Update flight schedules regularly
- Maintain shipper and consignee contact information
- Keep DG database current with regulations
Data Quality
- Ensure unique codes for all master records
- Maintain consistent naming conventions
- Keep address and contact information current
- Verify IATA/ICAO codes for accuracy
- Update performance metrics regularly
Next Steps
After setting up master data:
- Review Setup Guide for configuration
- Learn how to create an Air Shipment
- Understand Master Air Waybill Management
For information on creating and managing transactions, refer to the respective doctype documentation.