Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Takeshi Hashimoto) today announced that MAST Ltd. (President: Tomohiro Takahashi; Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo), established through the MOL Incubation Bridge (Note 1), has launched “Umbrair,” the first neutral and equitable common trading platform for the spot air cargo market (Note 2). MAST has been working toward commercialization since fiscal year 2022 with the aim of promoting digital transformation (DX) in air cargo transactions. The newly launched Umbrair is an equitable service that streamlines the complex and specialized order placement and fulfillment processes between shippers and forwarders (Note 3), enabling them to complete transactions entirely online-from initial contact to final agreement. It accelerates the digital transformation of air cargo forwarding operations across the industry.
Rising geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing supply chain restructuring have further intensified the air cargo market’s need for agility-the ability to swiftly respond to sudden demand and secure optimal transport solutions at fair prices. Spot transactions have become a cornerstone of logistics flexibility. On the other hand, spot cargo transactions still rely heavily on phone calls and emails, posing challenges in terms of speed, transparency, and operational efficiency.
Umbrair provides centralized online communication between shippers and forwarders, creating an environment that enables both parties to conduct smooth transactions based on shared information. By ensuring that their respective decisions are properly aligned, it reduces friction and enhances transaction speed and reliability.
The platform’s design also makes it easy for all industry stakeholders to use it as a common foundation, free from the constraints of current frameworks. This facilitates seamless adoption without disrupting current business relationships or altering operational workflows. Umbrair enhances transaction accuracy and speed by structuring the entire process-from condition setting to proposal and decision-making-within a unified framework. It organically creates a new form of transaction that advances digital transformation while seamlessly integrating with on-site operations and preserving human judgment and trust.
The Value Provided by Umbrair
- Shippers: Stress-free bookings that meet deadlines and budgets with reliability and confidence
- Forwarders: Efficient order processing that minimizes workload while ensuring swift and accurate responses
- Both parties: Streamlined operations under common rules reduce waste and stress, shortening the path to successful transactions
Umbrair is an initiative that embodies the DX in the air cargo market and new business creation goals outlined in the MOL Group’s management plan, “BLUE ACTION 2035.” It aims to improve overall supply chain efficiency and quality by visualizing and standardizing logistics flows. MOL will continue expanding collaboration with MAST, shippers, forwarders, and other stakeholders; support the advancement of verification and system functionality enhancements; and contribute to the realization of next-generation international logistics combining speed with transparency.
Source: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
