Panalpina subsidiary ASB-Air and Lufthansa Systems have signed a contract for the implementation of a new logistics solution. AirWarder is an integrated system designed for logistics providers with large volumes of air cargo as well as for cargo airlines.The subsidiary ASB-Air is Panalpina's inhouse carrier for time-definite and traditional airfreight services. To support and optimize its processes, ASB-Air needs a best-in-class IT solution. This is why it is cooperating with Lufthansa Systems, one of the world's leading suppliers of IT services for the aviation industry. AirWarder consists of Lufthansa Systems' cargo system UltraFreight, featuring a pro-active tracking&tracing module and a booking forecast engine.

Johannes Lang, CEO of Lufthansa Systems Business Solutions, explains the advantages of AirWarder: "The logistics market is highly dynamic. Only innovative products on modern platforms can offer the flexibility required in this market. The product AirWarder is the result of industry expertise and the IT know-how we have systematically generated at Lufthansa Systems. "

Panalpina CIO Monika Ribar adds: "The goal is to provide the user with a modern tool to work more efficiently and effectively. In our opinion, AirWarder is just such a tool. It is a product from a new IT generation and is thus of great importance to the whole Panalpina Group".

Robert Frei, who has overall responsibility for the GF-X platform at Panalpina, adds: "Both AirWarder and GF-X are innovative, trendsetting products that fit perfectly. GF-X will function as an interface between AirWarder and the carriers."

AirWarder will go operational in the third quarter of 2002. In subsequent phases, further functions will be added to support new logistics products.

Panalpina Group

Panalpina, one of the world's leading providers of forwarding and logistics services, specializes in intercontinental airfreight and seafreight consignments and associated supply chain management solutions. Panalpina provides global integrated door-to-door transport solutions, tailored to its clients' individual needs. The Panalpina Group has over 300 branches in 74 countries, and employs around 12,000 people worldwide.

Lufthansa Systems Group

With its 17 subsidiaries, Lufthansa Systems Group is among the leading international information technology companies in the airline and aviation markets. Based on its process know-how in the aviation industry, the group develops and operates flexible and innovative IT solutions that are increasingly being adopted by other industries as well. Lufthansa Systems employs 4,200 staff worldwide.