Swiss aviation services company Swissport is looking to use blockchain technology for its cargo handling and its passenger services businesses.
The company has launched a pilot project with Olam, a Swiss non-profit foundation developing an open source platform for the supply chain. Olam utilizes distributed ledger technology to store shipment information and uses smart contracts to record changes of custody. Smart contracts are also used to represent contractual agreements between parties in a given supply chain.[1][2]
Hendrik Leyssens, head of global cargo operations at Swisspost, said:
“Thinking beyond traditional messaging, blockchain could eventually become the new standard allowing us to overcome the chronic lack of transparency, which is typical for fragmented supply chains.
“Blockchain could speed up transactions, enhance transaction security and at the same time unlock cost savings.”
Alongside cargo handling, Swissport’s passenger services business is also looking to adopt blockchain technology by partnering with Winding Tree, a blockchain-based travel distribution platform.[3]
Winding Tree, overseen by Swiss non-profit organization the Winding Tree Foundation, has developed a platform that connects suppliers, such as hotels and airlines, and sellers, such as travel agencies, to a single marketplace, eliminating the unnecessary costs by removing layers of intermediation.
The aim of the partnership between Swissport and Winding Tree is to jointly explore the potential of distributing Swissport’s existing travel services and new offers.
The company said the focus will initially be on distributing classic ancillary travel services to independent travelers, like airport lounge access for example.
Winding Tree is already partnered with airlines and hotels but Swissport will be the platform’s launch partner for ancillary ground travel services.
“Blockchain allows us to reimagine how we work with
