CHAMP Cargosystems looks to Atlanta to gain Latin American foothold

LUXEMBOURG-based CHAMP Cargosystems, a dedicated air cargo IT provider, is considering a base in Atlanta to support its focus on the Americas and support growth in Latin American countries.

CEO John Johnston said the IT firm, 49 per cent owned by Cargolux, seeks a good talent pool for recruitment as well as Atlanta's tax incentives and real estate prices.

It also is an attractive location because of its proximity to the Delta Air Lines and for its Atlanta-based parent SITA, which holds 51 per cent.

Its global network of offices now include London, Zurich, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Singapore and the Philippines with a broad client base of 200 carriers, freight forwarders, ground-handlers, customs authorities, general sales agents and truckers who use its eCargo services.

Its programmers in the Philippines have been instrumental in the development of its electronic customs services using a single interface for customs organisations around the world for different nations and languages. The company is developing customs IT solutions in China, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa, and hopes through its air carrier links to expand in Brazil, Panama and Mexico.

The acquisition of Traxon-supported CHAMP Cargosystems was done in preparation for the deployment of IATA e-freight and Cargo 2000 systems. Last year, it enabled its clients within all member states of the EU to comply with the EU Import Control System.