Global Freight Exchange (GF-X), http://www.gf-x.com the internet-based airfreight exchange for carriers and forwarders, announced the launch of its "permanent booking" functionality.

In addition to enhancing functionality, GF-X has continued to grow its global operations with the launch of live transactions in Narita, Dallas and Houston over the last month.

GF-X launched its permanent booking functionality on schedule with its global client participants. This functionality provides participating forwarders with the ability to place automated bookings against pre-agreed permanent booking capacity on-line. This is currently handled by faxes and phone calls between multiple carriers and multiple forwarders.

Over the next months, GF-X will be working with participants to manage the implementation of this release and drive the change necessary to enable participants to realise the considerable benefits that it offers.

In addition to this introduction of new functionality, GF-X has been expanding its global operations, launching live transactions in Narita, Dallas and Houston over the last month. These three additions expand key existing operations in the Americas, Asia and Europe, including: Amsterdam, Brussels, Chicago, Dubai, Frankfurt (and many other key German origins), Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York and Zurich.

"GF-X has successfully proved that a B2B marketplace like GF-X can be built and integrated with carrier systems, that it can work and that it is possible to gain commitment to its growth. We will continue to work with our clients and invest to expand the network on GF-X and broaden the functionality," said Todd Morgan, Co-CEO of GF-X.

"The new permanent booking functionality will drive real benefits for forwarders and carriers by eliminating the present faxes and phone calls between carriers and forwarders and ensuring accurate data sharing and alerts," commented Roland Bischoff, Global Airfreight Director, Kuehne and Nagel.

The GF-X system has been "live" and operational since October 2000. GF-X has recently announced that EGL (Eagle Global Logistics) and Geologistics Corporation joined the internet-based airfreight marketplace. EGL and Geologistics Corporation have has joined other carriers and forwarders who are already transacting on the GF-X platform, including: American Airlines Cargo, British Airways World Cargo, Cargolux Airlines, Continental Airlines Cargo, Danzas AEI, DHL Aviation NV, Emirates SkyCargo, Exel, Kuehne & Nagel, Lufthansa, Panalpina, Schenker, Swisscargo, UTi and Yusen Air and Sea Service.

Established in November 1998, GF-X has raised over $85m of capital to-date. Its equity holders include: American Airlines, British Airways, Consolidated Press Holdings (CPH), Deustche Post World Net, Lufthansa Commercial Holding, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter (MSDW), Panalpina World Transport (Holdings), and SAirLogistics