AirLog - the ground handling arm of the Milan-based ACSSys Group of cargo general sales agents - has extended its portfolio of services to airlines with the addition of import handling and clearance of inbound freight. ACSSys is the first Italian GSSA organization to offer customs clearance of imports on its own premises.

AirLog's main handling terminal near Milan (Linate) Airport has been granted bonded status, and now acts as the hub for import clearances. After clearance, AirLog will input status updates direct into its client airlines' computer systems.

From Milan, in conjunction with a nationwide trucking operator and a major intra-European road feeder specialist, AirLog can provide delivery throughout Italy and to other European states for the airlines represented by its sister companies ATC, ADP and QASA. PODs are obtained upon delivery, and these are also entered into the airlines' systems to provide full track and trace information to all parties.

Following the launch of the import handling and clearance service, AirLog has already been formally appointed to handle imports for three major airlines, and further contracts are expected to be concluded soon.

Explains ACSSys Group MD Sauro Martinelli, "With a largely static Italian export market and increased imports, airlines are focussing on the quality of their import services both as a way of gaining import market share, and also of influencing the choice of export carrier.

"Customs clearance has always been a fragmented process in Italy, and service standards have sometimes suffered as a result. By joining up the clearance, handling and road transport under a single operation, AirLog will centralise the flow of information and maintain better control of the import supply chain. This will provide our carriers' customers with a greatly improved service and a single point of contact."