eAWB (electronic air waybill)
Safe and digital all the way to your destination.
The eAWB (electronic air waybill) is the electronic message that forms the legal basis of the transport contract between "shipper" (forwarder) and "carrier" (airline). With the implementation of the eAWB as the first digitized air freight transport document, two process variants were introduced:
EAW = eAWB shipment without accompanying paper documents.
EAP = eAWB consignment with accompanying paper documents, e.g. pouch, consol manifest, etc.
Especially for General Cargo shipments, accompanying paper documents are not necessary. These shipments can be booked as EAW and transported without any paper documents.
Get more detailed information in our available eAWB factsheet
Single Process – standardised and innovative industry solution for all routes
The eAWB Single Process enables customers to deliver freight without a paper AWB for all receiving stations worldwide. A customer can therefore deliver an eAWB shipment to all Single Process stations without the corresponding paper document. Lufthansa Cargo's system decides whether a paper AWB is required at the destination or by the local authorities and reproduces the paper AWB on these routes.
Learn more in our overview of all available Single Process stations
The following requirements and instructions apply to eFreight shipments without a paper AWB with Lufthansa Cargo:
- Signing of theIATA Multilateral Agreement (IATA Resolution 672) as the legal basis of eAWB.
- Contacting the local sales agent to request an activation confirmation with Lufthansa Cargo and to define the framework conditions for paperless freight shipments.
- Fulfilling the technical requirements and ensuring FWB quantity and quality of 98% or higher.
- Creating an eAWB booking using the Special Handling Codes EAP or EAW, depending on your shipment requirements.
- Transmission of shipment data (eAWB) with all essential contract data via your software provider or via Lufthansa Cargo's “eAWB Data Capture” and correct use of the Special Handling Codes EAP and EAW in FWB version 16 or 17 (or XFWB by arrangement) for FWB transmission.
- Delivery of freight without paper AWB.
The Paper-to-eAWB (P2e) service applies to all non-eAWB shipments on eAWB-capable routes:
- Paper AWB is digitised at freight acceptance.
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Shipment data are available along the transport chain at all times.
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Paper AWB is not transported.
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Other accompanying documents are not affected.
P2e is mandatory for all shippers on eAWB-capable routes who are not providing shipment data electronically.
Get more detailed information in our available eAWB factsheet
Disclaimer
Since 2022, all shipments on eAWB capable routes with Lufthansa Cargo are transported exclusively as eAWB shipments. If Lufthansa Cargo receives a paper AWB shipment from the agent and the shipment falls within the scope of the eAWB-only process, a fee-based “paper-to-eAWB service” applies. The scope of the eAWB-only process is determined by the activated flight routes (feasible trade lanes) listed in the eFreight station list. The station list is published on the Lufthansa Cargo website. For a shipment to be considered an eAWB shipment, freight forwarders must have signed the multilateral IATA agreement, be activated for eAWB by Lufthansa Cargo, and transmit the eAWB codes EAP or EAW in the electronic AWB data. A “Paper-to-eAWB service” fee is charged for each paper AWB shipment, whereby the paper AWB is converted into an eAWB in accordance with Art. 3.3.1 and 12.2(f) of Lufthansa Cargo's General Conditions of Carriage for Cargo. Please contact your local sales agent or visit the Lufthansa Cargo website underOther Charges to find out the exact amount of the fee and the amount in the respective local currency.
Capture shipment data digitally
Use eAWB Data Capture to participate in the paperless eAWB and electronic house manifest (eHM) standard, even without your own messaging connection. eAWB Data Capture is free to use. A structured workflow and real-time validation support complete, consistent data before transmission.
How eAWB Data Capture supports your work
- Use available booking and user profile data to reduce repeated entries.
- View relevant booking information in one place and identify discrepancies between booking and shipment data.
- Capture, modify, and update Master Air Waybill (MAWB) and House Air Waybill (HAWB) data.
- Reuse details for recurring shipments with personal templates and an address book for frequent contacts.
- Choose from several print formats for your own records.
To access eAWB Data Capture, you need a registered account. The same account also gives you access to other Lufthansa Cargo eServices.
Find detailed information and guidance in the eAWB Data Capture info package
