WO2001071534A2

WO2001071534A2 - System and method of reserving cargo space on aircraft flights

Info

Publication number: WO2001071534A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/002163
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter F. Fox
Original assignee: Cargoreservations.Com, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-03-16
Filing date: 2001-01-23
Publication date: 2001-09-27
Also published as: AU2001232923A1; WO2001071534A3

Abstract

A method and system of reserving cargo space on aircraft flights has a reservation management server that is in communication with the terminal of a cargo carrier and a terminal of a shipper via a publicly accessible communications network. In one aspect, a graphical user interface is displayed on a display monitor of the terminal of the shipper that displays the cargo space available on an aircraft flight. The shipper selects cargo space indicia on the graphical user interface corresponding to the available cargo space and inputs data relating to the shipping parameters of the cargo to be shipped. A transaction is then completed for reserving the cargo space on the aircraft flight.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF RESERVING CARGO SPACE ON AIRCRAFT FLIGHTS

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of electronic commerce, and more particularly, this invention relates to the field of facilitating cargo transport using a communications network.

Background of the Invention In commonly assigned and copending patent application entitled, "SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FACILITATING CARGO CHARTER FLIGHTS," U.S. patent application serial no. 09/500,312, filed February 8, 2000, the disclosure which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, a real-time system and method for buying and selling aircraft cargo charter flights is disclosed. An open market is provided based on actual supply and demand where charter flights can be bid on the basis of a requested leg only at a price the market will bear at the time of transaction.

In this application, an operations control center has a management server that is in communication with the terminal of a cargo carrier and a terminal of a shipper via a publicly accessible communications network. The availability of a cargo carrier for transporting cargo with the shipper having cargo to be shipped to a destination is matched through the management server. Each of the cargo carrier and shipper accesses a document exchange server located at the operations control center for negotiating the terms of a charter contract between the cargo carrier and shipper. Availability records relating to available cargo charter flights are stored within the management server. Shipper inquiries for any available cargo charter flights that meet predetermined criteria can be input into the communications network to the management server. A match is produced within the management server between a shipper inquiry and available cargo charter flight. A bid process is commenced and negotiations begun between the shipper and cargo carrier.

Often, however, shippers only require a limited amount of cargo space on an aircraft flight because their freight load is small. In this instance, a charter of an entire aircraft is not required. For example, a limited load requiring only a few LD-7 containers having a limited weight may be the only cargo that a shipper desires to transport via a cargo carrier. Thus, there is little need to charter an aircraft when the load, in fact, could be placed into an existing cargo hold of an aircraft already having a scheduled route to the desired destination.

Also, aircraft fly different legs with only limited amounts of cargo. Cargo spaces are available in the cargo holds. These available cargo spaces could be filled with freight from other shippers for transport, if the shippers knew that the cargo space was available.

Thus, it is evident that there are needs between shippers and cargo carriers for matching and reserving cargo space within aircraft that are already scheduled for flight, or of aircraft that could be chartered by one or more shippers.

Summary of the Invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a real-time system and method for buying and selling, i.e., reserving, cargo space on aircraft flights.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a real-time exchange for buying and selling, i.e., reserving, cargo space on an aircraft where an open market is provided based on actual supply and demand and where cargo space can be bid on the basis of what price the market will bear at the time of transaction. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a system and method for reserving cargo space on an aircraft where a shipper can select cargo space based on availability within an aircraft.

In accordance with the present invention, the system and method of reserving cargo space on an aircraft includes the steps of providing a reservation management server that is in communication with the terminal of a cargo carrier and a terminal of a shipper via a publicly accessible communications network. A graphical user interface is displayed on a display monitor of the terminal of the shipper that displays the available cargo space of an aircraft flight. The shipper selects cargo space indicia on a graphical user interface corresponding to the available cargo space and inputs data relating to the shipping parameters of the cargo to be shipped. A transaction is completed for reserving the cargo space on the cargo charter flight.

The step of completing a transaction for reserving cargo space on an aircraft can comprise the step of initiating by the shipper a request for quote via a document exchange server. The reservation management server and document exchange server can be located at an operations control center that is in communication with the publicly accessible communications network. The document exchange server can provide each of the cargo carrier and shipper with electronic documents to display at a respective terminal of a cargo carrier and shipper. Physical tracking, palletization and loading/unloading processes can be coordinated through the document exchange server .

The cargo carrier can offer a contract in response to the request for quote received from the shipper. The publicly accessible communications network comprises an Internet in one aspect of the present invention. The availability of any cargo space can be input into an inventory database connected to the reservation management server. Preferably, the reservations management server is located at an operations control center that is in communication with the publicly accessible communications network.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the aircraft on which cargo space has been reserved and loaded with cargo can be tracked while in the air on a display located at the terminals of the cargo carrier and shipper based on the tail number of the aircraft. The aircraft flight can also be tracked via a graphical user interface showing the geographical location of the aircraft during flight.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a method of reserving cargo space on aircraft flights comprises the step of inputting the availability of cargo space on aircraft flights into a cargo space inventory database connected to a reservation management server that is in communication via a publicly accessible communications network with a terminal of a cargo carrier and a terminal of a shipper. The inventory database is searched by the shipper for desired criteria of available cargo space on a flight. The graphical user interface is displayed on a display monitor of a terminal of the shipper and displays any unreserved cargo space of an aircraft flight that meets the desired criteria from the search of the inventory database. A user can select cargo space indicia on the graphical user interface corresponding to the available cargo space. Data relating to the shipping parameters of the cargo to be shipped is then input via a text entry window and a transaction is completed for reserving the cargo space on an aircraft.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a system reserves cargo space on an aircraft flight and comprises an operations control center. An inventory database stores data relating to the availability of cargo space on an aircraft flight. A reservation management server is connected to the inventory database and to a publicly accessible communications network for receiving carrier demand inquiries from a terminal of a cargo carrier relating to the availability of cargo space on an aircraft flight and receiving shipper inquiries from a terminal of a shipper requesting cargo space. The terminal of the shipper is connected to the communications network. A document exchange server negotiates the terms of a cargo space reservation contract between the carrier and shipper. The document exchange server provides each of a cargo carrier and shipper with electronic documents to display at respective terminals of a cargo carrier and shipper. The publicly accessible communications network comprises an Internet in one aspect of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention which follows, when considered in light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the basic function and flow of information among the operations control center and a shipper and cargo carrier.

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a graphical user interface showing indicia on an aircraft graphic pertaining to cargo space, and an open data entry window for configuring the cargo space.

FIG. 3 is a more detailed diagram of the operations control center and the flow of information relating to available cargo space between a cargo carrier and shipper. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contract formation between a cargo carrier and shipper for reserving cargo space on an aircraft.

FIG. 5 is another diagram showing a basic reservation process of the present invention where the cargo carrier has input cargo space availability to a cargo space inventory database.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing when a shipper registers in the communications network an interest and availability for reserving cargo space on an aircraft. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating when a cargo carrier registers an area of interest for available cargo space.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The present invention is advantageous because it now provides a real-time network, e.g., Internet, with a system and method for buying and selling, i.e., reserving, cargo space on an aircraft, and facilitating the exchange of information for a contract formation between a shipper (buyer) and cargo carrier (seller) . Cargo carriers, i.e., sellers, can register cargo space that is available and unreserved on different aircraft flights, publish ad-hoc availability to shippers, i.e., buyers, and provide ad-hoc responses to specific requests from shippers for any available cargo space. Shippers can search for suitable unreserved cargo space in a cargo space inventory database for registered cargo space availability, and receive published ad-hoc cargo space availability from sellers, publish requests for cargo space availability to cargo carriers, and negotiate on-line in real time with selected cargo carriers to reserve cargo space.

As shown in FIG. 1, the overall system for reserving cargo space on aircraft flights is illustrated at 10. Both the cargo carrier 12 and the shipper 14 can manage the process from ordering, i.e., reserving cargo space, to completion, through access via a publicly accessible communications network 16, e.g., the Internet, to an operations control center 18 having a reservation management server 20 that allows document exchange for reserving and purchasing cargo space via a document exchange server 22, inventory control of available cargo space via a cargo space inventory database 24, and flight tracking of those aircraft on which cargo space had been reserved via a flight tracking system server 26. These components and servers could be included as software programs in one computer, as noted in the dashed lines at 28. It is also possible that the reservation management server and other associated servers could be separate computer systems, such as separate, but networked personal computers. The operations control center 18 can include appropriate staff to assist a cargo carrier 12 or shipper 14 towards a cargo space reservation contract . The entire cargo space reservation system 10 is preferably a web-based system accessible via the Internet and Worldwide Web with an appropriate network web address, thus allowing unreserved and available cargo space on aircraft flights to be made publicly available through a portal for the global trade community. The term "public" can refer to the access required by the global trade community.

The system has several benefits. A shipper has the benefit of an open, trusted market in which the price of cargo space is based on the actual supply and demand of available cargo space. The cost of cargo space can be reduced by switching to a single cargo space pricing and reservation system that removes opportunities for hidden, additional costs for dead legs and unflown billable miles where cargo bays in aircraft are empty and unused.

As referred to in this description, a "leg" is a specific path between two points, such as San Francisco and Orlando. A "route" is typically one or more legs, such as San Francisco to Orlando or Orlando to San Francisco or San Francisco to Orlando to Miami. The "tail number" is a unique identifier for a specific aircraft, as known to those skilled in the art. The term "flight" refers to a specific execution of a route by specific tail number, such as flight UA432 at 1700 on January 11, 2000. A "cargo space reservations contract" is a contract between a shipper and cargo carrier in which the cargo carrier undertakes to reserve and provide cargo space on specified terms, including, in some instances, ACMI=aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance depending, of course, on the type of cargo transported and amount. The cargo space reservations contract can include an ad-hoc reservation of cargo space, which is a contract between a shipper and cargo carrier for cargo space on a one-time charter or flight of a specific tail number for a specific leg. The cargo space reservations contract can cover the cargo space of scheduled charter or aircraft flight, which is a contract between a shipper and cargo carrier for cargo space on an aircraft that flies the same route more than one time, e.g., to fly from San Francisco to Orlando to Miami and back to San Francisco, every Thursday for the next three months. The present invention is advantageous because cargo carriers can bid for unreserved and available cargo space on the basis of cargo space that is available on a requested leg at a price the market will bear at the time of transaction. Thus, cargo carriers can openly sell the cargo space on all legs of a flight plan without conflicting with the initial leg, allowing better revenues through an extended market for standing assets. The system and method allows reduced administration costs through an efficient and timely ordering and management process and shorter aircraft turnaround times because of earlier loading information of what freight belongs on the flight at predetermined locations of the cargo hold, and greater certainty through an electronic audit trail. FIG. 1 also illustrates that the shipper and cargo carrier can operate through graphical user interfaces (GUI) 30,32 displayed at respective terminals indicated by the dotted lines at 34 and 36. The GUI's 30,32 allow for document exchange, cargo space inventory location and flight tracking for the shipper, and cargo space inventory maintenance, document exchange and flight tracking for the cargo carrier. Various cargo space reservation scenarios can exist. For example, an ad-hoc aircraft with a specific tail number could be idle unless enough of its cargo space is reserved. The location of the aircraft is dependent on the last flight. If the aircraft had been idle at an airport, but, later, enough cargo space has been reserved, the aircraft can be flown using any route within the aircraft's capability. The aircraft could be relocated to another airport to meet the cargo space reservation demands, provided the aircraft can meet the timing and load requirements of all cargo space reservations demanded by shippers. Also, an aircraft may not be the same tail number and could fly a route on a regular basis, but have idle periods within its schedule where cargo space could be made available for shippers. If enough shippers reserve cargo space, a trip would be justified. In this ad-hoc aircraft flight, a route could be operated by a carrier, such as from City A to City B to City C and back to City B and then City A, every Monday through Friday, leaving City A at 0900 and returning to City A at 1700. Between Friday at 1700 and Monday at 0900 every week, select portions of the cargo space contained in the cargo hold of the aircraft could be available for cargo reservations under the same rules as any ad-hoc cargo flight, with the exception that the aircraft must be back at City A before 0900 on Monday.

Cargo space could also be reserved on aircraft that operate on scheduled routes. An operator of scheduled routes can use an aircraft from another carrier and control that aircraft. For example, the operator could request a charter for regularly scheduled routes, e.g., from City A to City B to City C and back to City B and City A, every day Monday through Friday, leaving City A at 0900 and returning to City A at 1700. For purposes of this description, cargo space on aircraft can be in two availability categories: (1) cargo space can be reserved on an aircraft that is specifically owned for purposes of selling cargo space, and which are available for flights when the aircraft is not an active flight; and (2) aircraft can fly regular scheduled routes for specific business purposes, e.g., air courier operations, which have significant idle periods between scheduled routes, and have cargo space that is available. Aircraft could be available when enough cargo space has been reserved to make another flight commercially justifiable. For a shipper, it is not relevant whether an aircraft is one used for ad-hoc flights or operated on regularly scheduled routes. It is only relevant if it has available cargo space that matches the request parameters. In the present invention, a shipper could be a carrier that operates scheduled routes but uses aircraft to operate the flights, for example, a company owned or controlled aircraft.

FIG. 2 illustrates an open window 30a of a graphical user interface 30, such as used on a windows based computer platform at the shipper terminal 34. The GUI 30 shows a graphical depiction of an aircraft cargo hold 30b with predetermined cargo spaces labeled with an alphanumeric code, such as A1-E6. The graphical user interface for the cargo hold 30b could be color coded for each cargo space A1-E6 or other identifying scheme or indicia that would distinguish between reserved and unreserved or available cargo space on the aircraft. For example, the cargo spaces referred by the alphanumeric code B4, B5, B6 and C1-C5 have X's indicating that those cargo spaces are reserved and no longer available for reserving by a shipper. Instead of an X, any type of indicia could be used, as suggested to by those skilled in the art.

The shipper, cargo carrier and administrator at the operation control center would all have access to the same graphical depiction of the cargo hold. Naturally, the shipper may initially have a list of different aircraft that meet the shipper's needs. When a particular aircraft is selected from a list received from a search request or "match" within the reservation management server, the graphical depiction of FIG. 2 could come on screen, giving the shipper the advantage of determining what cargo space is available and entering appropriate data relating to the cargo space reservation . When an unreserved space, such as Al, is selected, such as by clicking a mouse pointer on the cargo space on the graphical user interface, a separate cargo hold configuration window 30c for data entry could open with specific shipping, price, destination and terms tabs 31a-d, corresponding to various shipping parameters that can be user selected. For example, the shipping tab 31a has been depressed showing cargo space that is to be reserved. A drop down list 31e allows the shipper to select a required volume. Additionally, the type of containers that are desired can be selected through a drop down menu 31f. The shipping weight that the shipper would probably require can be selected via a drop down menu 31g. Similar drop down menus, data entry boxes, or other data entry formats could be shown for the price, destination and terms tabs 31b-d.

Naturally, the illustrated graphical user interface is only one example of the type of graphical user interface that could be used for the present invention. Other graphical user interfaces could be designed and used as suggested to by those skilled in the art .

FIG. 3 illustrates that the reservation management server 20 can use logical matching rules 40 to match a shipper and a cargo carrier. The matching rules are based upon supply inquiries, also known herein as shipper inquiries, and carrier demand inquiries, which are stored in the cargo space inventory database 24 as associated with the reservations management server 20 at the operations control center 18. The matching rules use logic based programming techniques as known to those skilled in the art for making a match between cargo carriers and shippers . The matching rules 40 are based on commercial standards. To match aircraft availability on an aircraft to the requirements of the shipper, the aircraft type must be able to accommodate the weight and size of a proposed cargo load and be able to fly a specified distance from the point of origin. It must be present or relocate to the point of origin in sufficient time to collect a cargo load and complete the route from the origin to a shipper destination.

As a seller of ad-hoc availability, the cargo space of an aircraft can operate scheduled routes and allow for the relocation of an aircraft to its start point for regularly scheduled operations. The seller must specify a start point in order for the management server to calculate the true availability of cargo space. Also, the current location of an aircraft should be specified for ad-hoc cargo reservations to allow the reservation management server to calculate what aircraft with the unreserved and available cargo space are capable of being at the origin on time. It could be possible to ignore a current location of an aircraft, but this would lead to bogus offers where a seller could never make the aircraft available in time to meet the criteria of the carriers who have reserved the cargo spaces. It is possible that a cargo carrier has elected to do so only for marketing purposes. The management server will strike a balance between having offers of high integrity and imposing numerous constraints that would make sellers reluctant to place any inventory of cargo space on the system. The current location of an aircraft does not have to be specified for reserving cargo space with an aircraft. A cargo carrier can relocate its aircraft from anywhere in the world to gain a series of long- term scheduled cargo space reservation contracts, especially when the profits from the cargo space reservation contract justify a trip. For example, if a flight opportunity for multiple flights over an extended period arises, the current location of an aircraft could be irrelevant because the cargo carrier 12 could elect to relocate an aircraft and crew over a substantial distance to acquire a series of long-term cargo space reservation contracts for one or more shippers that have reserved cargo space. The cost could be an issue for the first flight, but in practice, any negotiation between one or multiple shippers and the cargo carrier would be extended, and a decision to re-charter for a long-term contract of cargo space could be taken in advance.

A potential shipper 14 can interact with the cargo carrier and reservation management server through the GUI 30, such as shown in FIG. 2, and specify origin and destination, and other appropriate information regarding the cargo reservation, such as desired space, weight and container limitations. The management server 20 includes an appropriate processor that calculates the distance and matches the route to available aircraft cargo space. A potential cargo carrier 12 can specify the aircraft type via the GUI and other appropriate means, but would not have to specify a destination, because the aircraft is available for any destination within its capabilities. Because the system is open, shippers 14 and cargo carriers 12 can view all availability for cargo space, and all active searches through individual shippers and cargo carriers. They modify their own information.

The system allows cargo carriers 12 and shippers 14 to view all supply and demand of available cargo space, creating a more dynamic market. Pricing responses reflect supply and demand. Because it is impossible to prevent some individuals from entering bogus requests and/or availability, any staff located at the operations control center 18 can review all records and delete those that are appropriate via a GUI 42 used on a terminal by the operator at the center 18. For purposes of this description, "shipper inquiry" is an entry in the cargo space inventory database 24, and specifies a shipper's criteria for interest in active availability records or related information for reserving cargo space. An "availability record" is an entry into the reservation management server 20 and cargo space inventory database 24 that specifies a cargo carrier's available cargo space that has not yet been reserved. A "carrier demand inquiry" is an entry into the cargo space inventory database 24 and reservation management server 20 that specifies a cargo carrier's interest in active shipper inquiries. The term "active" refers to a record that is flagged by a user for use by the system and any searching, viewing or matching processes. "Inactive" refers to a record that is stored by a user for later use and not to be used in current searching or matching processes. The user could still view and modify that record, however. The graphical user interfaces 30,32, such as the example shown in FIG. 2, allows the shipper 14 and cargo carrier 12 to interact with the management server 20 located at the operations control center 18. The graphical user interface provides the ability to create, store, view, modify and make "active" or

"inactive" and allows a user to delete availability records based on location, cargo space, type, and time. Shipper inquiries can be created, stored, viewed and modified and made "active" or "inactive" based on location, freight characteristics, cargo space physical parameters, and time. Active availability records could be viewed that match a shipper inquiry at the time it is made active. The graphical user interfaces 30,32 allow notification to be received of new, active availability records, which match existing active shipper inquiries. Carrier demand inquiries can be created, stored, viewed, modified and made "active" or "inactive" based on location, freight characteristics, cargo space physical parameters, and time. "Active" shipper inquiries can be viewed that match a carrier demand inquiry at the time it is made "active". New "active" shipper inquiries can be received to allow notification that match existing "active" carrier demand inquiries. The graphical user interfaces 30,32 also allow for the negotiation and managing of a cargo space reservations contract through the document exchange server and allows tracking on a geographic display, such as provided by a third party. One advantageous aspect of the present invention is the use of the system as if no distinction exists between a cargo carrier and a shipper. Any user could act as either cargo carrier 12 or shipper 14 as happens in the real world. All cargo carriers 12 and shippers 14 could view current demand as shown by active shipper inquiries and determine a price negotiation position for reserving cargo space. The "active" status for any shipper inquiry or demand inquiry can be set "once" or "for a defined period". If an "active" status is set "once, " then the submission of a record is viewed by the management server 20 as a one-time query and only shows active availability records or supply/demand inquiries as appropriate to the original inquiry stored in the inventory database. The "active" status for an availability record can be "active" or "inactive" because the availability record is defined by user input relative to the availability of cargo space on an aircraft. An originator can delete all inquiries and records, and the system could have to purge all records and inquiries that become "inactive" because an end date is earlier than a current date.

Any staff located at the operations control center 18 would have access to the same user interfaces as the cargo carrier and shipper via the graphical user interface 42 on an operator terminal, shown by dotted lines at 42a. This allows the staff to act on behalf of either party by fully or partially managing a cargo space reservation process. The staff would also have administration screens as part of their GUI 42 to facilitate the addition and maintenance of user records, which control access to the overall management server and other components of the system. The management server 20 of the present invention works in association with the cargo space inventory database 24 to allow shippers 14 and cargo carriers 12 to communicate information between them in real time about the supply and demand of cargo space. The cargo space inventory database 24 stores shipper and carrier demand inquiries and availability records. The management server 20 provides the matching capabilities through the use of a set of business rules for validating the input of all shipper and carrier demand inquiries and availability records. The management server matches active inquiries and records at the time of input, and on a periodic basis defined by a system administrator at the operations control center 18. A publisher can automatically inform users of new inquiries and availability records that match current active inquiries. The system administrator can also set up an entitlement system at the operations control center 18 to control a users ' s access rights. The management server 20 obtains information from the cargo space inventory database 24 of availability records that are directly input by cargo carriers via an Internet browser through the terminal of the cargo carrier. It is also possible to obtain information from an interconnected information system of a cargo carrier or from an interconnected system of a third party, e.g., OAG, that could provide information on behalf of the cargo carrier. The shippers can provide shipper inquiries from an internal database or directly from the interconnected information system of a shipper.

The document exchange server 22 allows for the filing of electronic documents, such as quotations, orders, shipping instructions, contracts, advice and other legal documents. When a shipper 14 and one or more cargo carriers 12 have identified a possible match in cargo space requirements and availability, the document exchange server 22 provides both parties with a set of electronic documents to conclude orders and manage a cargo space reservation process to completion. The documents are "filed" in a database memory of the document exchange server 22, such that authorized parties can track the progress of the process. All documents have a corresponding acknowledgment document or response for the formal confirmation of receipt and acceptance of information.

FIG. 4 illustrates a basic flow in a contract negotiations for available cargo space. The basic flow would include a request for quote 60 on the cargo space that is available, followed by a contract offer 62 with terms. A discussion of terms 64 for the cargo space follows with a contract confirmation 66. Ancillary services 68, such as truck loading, palletization and other details are discussed, followed by a load list 70 and proof of delivery 72. Typical documents stored and processed by the centralized document exchange server 22 include a request for quote, a quote, an order, an order confirmation, i.e., a cargo space reservation contract, a load list, delivery confirmation, and a discussion of terms and timing. The quotation/order process applies to the cargo space reservation contract, but could also be used for handling ramp services, consolidation and trucking processes. The flight tracking system server 26 allows both the shipper 14 and cargo carrier 12 to track in-flight aircraft on which cargo space had been reserved based on tail number. Tracking can be done via a graphical user interface. It is possible to use a third party service, as known to those skilled in the art, to track the aircraft on which cargo space had been reserved.

The operations control center 18 will typically be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The same graphical user interface 42 and Internet tools used by the staff are the same as the GUI 30,32 and Internet tools used by shippers and cargo carriers. The staff at the center 18 can provide services ranging from facilitating a charter to ad-hoc requests for information or assistance on cargo space availability and other associated topics. The center 18 could have a repository (database) 70 of relevant industry related news, which can be accessed by the shipper and cargo carrier through their graphical user interfaces 30,32 via the communications network 16.

As noted before, FIG. 3 illustrates the information flow that exists among the shipper 14, operations control center 18 and management server 20, and cargo space inventory database 24, where matching rules 40 are processed with cargo carrier and shipper inputs to match a shipper and cargo carrier based on availability of cargo space in aircraft. The document exchange server 22 with the management server 20 obtains the quotations from one or more cargo carriers to manage information exchange during the cargo space reservation process.

The present invention allows cargo carriers 12 to advertise cargo space availability and shippers 14 to match the advertised cargo space availability with their shipping requirements. Because the entire system and method is open to both shippers and cargo carriers, the management server 20 and cargo space inventory database 24 can store all availability records and inquiries concerning available cargo space that can be reserved to allow matching by the management server at the instant of creation, or over time. Users can create new records and inquiries by making minor modifications to old records and inquiries concerning the cargo space rather than re-entering the information from scratch.

The system and method of the present invention can operate in an asynchronous mode because there does not have to be a relationship in time or sequence between the users for the management server, the cargo space inventory database, and the document exchange server. A shipper 14 could possibly make an inquiry the second before or after the cargo carrier 14 enters an availability request of cargo space that meets any requested criteria. In the former case, the inquiry would produce a match, but in the latter case, the inquiry would not produce a match.

The asynchronous mode allows shipper and carrier demand inquiries to be stored, and retain a specified "active" validity period to ensure a likelihood that supply and demand for cargo space will be matched. Because any user may not be on-line at the time of a status change that causes a "match" with the specified criteria, the management server 20 incorporates a "publisher" function 72 that pushes the changed status to a user, via a user specified mechanism, such as a browser, pager, or e-mail. It is possible to generate high volumes of pushed data, thus, all "active" inquiries could be pushed by the system to minimize data traffic.

The cargo carrier 12 specifies availability of cargo space on different aircraft flights by creating an "active" availability record, specifying the aircraft type and what cargo spaces in a cargo hold are available for reservation, the origin (s) at which the cargo space can be made available, and over what time period. The shipper 14 can specify the shipper or supply requirements by creating an active supply, i.e., shipper inquiry, either by entering a new inquiry or by modifying a currently stored inquiry. The cargo carrier can set the inquiry "active" for a period in which the shipper is interested in receiving any bids. The shipper inquiry also specifies the start and end date required for the cargo space, which may be different from the "active" period. For example, a shipper may wish to receive offers for the next 24 hours for a flight having available cargo space that is requested to leave in three days. It is also possible to upload current schedules for all customers who are shippers and registers in an OAG. Each leg of a route having available cargo space could be created as an "inactive" shipper inquiry. The shipper can then convert the required inquiries to "active" shipper inquiries. At this time, a user would view matching availability records on the respective graphical user interface. If an inquiry has been made active with a defined time period, the user can automatically receive an update whenever a newly entered availability record meets the criteria originally specified in the supply inquiry. The management server 20 automatically sets any active record to inactive if the active period and date or the requested goods delivery date is later than the current date.

Any user can monitor the total requests submitted by prospective shippers by submitting an active carrier demand inquiry with an appropriate selection criteria. When the carrier demand inquiry is made active, the user will view any matching "active" shipper inquiries. If the inquiry has been made "active" with a defined time period, the user can automatically receive an update whenever a newly entered "active" shipper request meets the criteria originally specified in the carrier demand inquiry. Any user can monitor the total requests submitted by possible cargo carriers by submitting an "active" shipper inquiry with appropriate selection criteria. When the carrier demand inquiry is made "active," the user will view any matching availability records of cargo space. If the inquiry has been made "active" with a defined time period, the user can automatically receive an update whenever a newly entered availability record meets the criteria specified in the shipper inquiry.

In one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to view only "active" availability records. Thus, a shipper cannot view how many cargo carriers may be observing the state of "active" shipper inquiries without submitting an availability record. A possible cargo carrier can watch the market before deciding to make the cargo carrier's cargo space available. Once decided, this cargo carrier can then make a bid by creating an "active" availability record, matching the requested supply criteria, and this will then immediately become known to the possible shipper.

The reservation management server 20 works in conjunction with the cargo space inventory database 24 to allow a digital exchange between the shipper and cargo carrier for brokering cargo space on available aircraft. Three types of exchange dynamic records can be stored, such as: (1) "I want..." indicating a shipper's need; (2) "I have..." indicating the availability of cargo space from a cargo carrier; and (3) "Tell me who is looking for...", which tells the initiator how many other shippers have the same requirement. The response to "Tell me who is looking..." is a list of all active "I want...". These logical inputs can be used by either the shipper or cargo carrier to provide intelligence on the state of the market and what price the market will bear for cargo space. A shipper or cargo carrier can use a "I want..." to observe what other cargo carriers are offering for available cargo space in specific market segments. Because the various records are stored, a regularly repeating matching program can be run to match records in all three categories on a continuing basis .

The present invention is advantageous over previous prior art systems where often an entire aircraft was chartered in an emergency, instead of reserving cargo space on an aircraft. In the prior art systems, a business emergency could occur, e.g., a manufacturer's production line will close if parts are not supplied within half a day. Thus, a cargo charter of an aircraft is the only perceived option by the manufacturer. The shipper uses a phone and fax to poll cargo carriers and finds a viable charter. This process is a time consuming, iterative process, which is difficult to audit. The shipper chooses a single cargo carrier and negotiates the final terms and closes a charter contract. The shipper, cargo carrier or an intermediary chosen by one or the other uses the phone and fax to arrange trucking from the source to a local airport, build pallets and load the aircraft at departure. Additionally, the phone and fax are used to arrange unloading and deconstruction of pallets and trucking from the airport to a final destination. The goods are picked up by the trucking company from the source and delivered to a warehouse for pallet building, and then trucked to a ramp agent at the airport. The ramp agent analyzes the composition of the pallets, determines the correct load plan for the pallets, and loads them on the plane. The plane flies from the origin to the destination. A ramp agent at the destination unloads the aircraft, and a trucking company delivers the goods from the airport to a final destination.

The system and method of the present invention is advantageous and more efficient over the methodology and system just described. In the present invention using an open system as previously described in detail, a business emergency occurs, such as a production line closing if parts are not supplied within half a day. The manufacturer (shipper) perceives that cargo space must be reserved on an existing flight or complete charter flight must be booked. The shipper logs onto the network and enters a website to access the reservation management server 20 having in association with it the cargo space inventory database 24, document exchange server 22 and flight tracking system server 26.

The shipper 14 selects source, destination, timing and freight requirements, such as volume, weight and, if necessary, container requirements, on a map based graphical user interface. The shipper can additionally set a period where it will consider offers for cargo space from cargo carriers. Any relevant cargo space availability that is pre-registered with the reservation management server 20 and cargo space inventory database 24 is immediately displayed to the shipper at its terminal, such as a listing of available flights, which can be individually and further displayed, such as with a GUI as shown in FIG. 2. If a shipper has indicated a willingness to consider further offers for cargo space from cargo carriers over a defined period, then the request is published to all the cargo carriers that are registered with the management server with a declared interest in the cargo space required for origin and destination points. Any such offers will be automatically displayed on the shipper screen during the specified period. From the total list of available aircraft having available cargo space that meets the shipper demands, the shipper selects those of interest and uses the document exchange server to issue an electronic request for quotation (RFQ) . The cargo carriers respond to the RFQ on-line by selecting appropriate terms from those shown on the form and add any additional terms and free text and specify the price for the transaction.

The shipper then reviews the responses and issues an order by clicking an "accept" button. By securing cargo space on a primary leg of a charter or other flight, the shipper can then advertise the availability of the cargo space on all other legs on the service through the communications network via new contractual terms. The shipper 14 and cargo carrier 12 can then carry on an electronic exchange through the remainder of the period to clarify details of the physical activity taking place, and if necessary, record amendments to the original terms.

Prior to any goods being delivered to the airport, the pallet details can be provided to the ramp agent via a document provided by the document exchange server 22. This allows the ramp agent to preplan the load process and guarantee speedy aircraft turnaround time. The physical trucking, palletization and loading/unloading processes occur as normal, but parties are coordinated through the document exchange server. The shipper and cargo carrier track the progress of an aircraft via the tracking system and a graphical user interface, based on the communications network. FIGS. 5-7 illustrate simplified diagrams of a

(1) preregistered flow; and (2) a cargo carrier initiated ad-hoc process; and (3) a shipper initiated ad-hoc process.

In FIG. 5, the cargo carrier 12 inputs cargo space availability to the management server 20 and its associated inventory database 24. Any shippers 14 with specific requirements for cargo space that meet input search criteria are presented with a list of matching availability of cargo space. In the event that a shipper desires to pursue the specific cargo carrier's offer concerning the available cargo space, then a shipper will initiate a request for quote via the document exchange server.

In FIG. 6, a shipper 14 can register in a network adaptor 80, as part of the communications network any interest in availability for cargo space to be reserved, for example only, a cargo space that will support 1,000 kilos for 1,000 miles for a defined destination. The network adaptor works in conjunction with the network manager to monitor all network messages that meet the criteria of the registration of interest .

A cargo carrier 14 can input a message or other details declaring a particular availability of cargo space. For example, if a 727 is only partially full at Miami, and has available cargo space for a trip to New York City, shipper network adaptors 82 can monitor network messages, and in the event that an offer matches the interest of a shipper, a message could appear on the shipper's screen, at which point the shipper can initiate document exchange to enter negotiations with the cargo carrier.

FIG. 7 illustrates a scenario where a carrier can register an area of interest for cargo space, for example, a cargo space that can support less than 1,000 kilos at no greater than 100 cubic feet to Miami. This data is forwarded via a cargo carrier network adaptor 82. A shipper can input a message of specific requirements for cargo space, and if the request meets the area of interest declared by a cargo carrier, the request could appear on the cargo carrier's screen, at which point the cargo carrier can send a response to the cargo carrier's request. If the cargo carrier wishes to proceed, the cargo carrier can initiate a request for quote through the document exchange server.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that the modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the dependent claims.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of reserving cargo space on aircraft flights comprising the steps of: providing a reservation management server that is in communication with a terminal of a cargo carrier and a terminal of a shipper via a publicly accessible communications network; displaying a graphical user interface on a display monitor of the terminal of the shipper that displays the available cargo space of an aircraft flight; user selecting by the shipper a cargo space indicia on the graphical user interface corresponding to the available cargo space for inputting data relating to the shipping parameters of the cargo to be shipped; and completing a transaction for reserving the cargo space on the cargo charter flight.

2. A method according to Claim 1, wherein said step of completing a transaction for reserving cargo space on an aircraft flight comprises the step of initiating by the shipper a request for quote via a document exchange server.

3. A method according to Claim 2, and further comprising the step of locating the reservation management server and the document exchange server at an operations control center that is in communication with the publicly accessible communications network.

4. A method according to Claim 2, wherein the document exchange server provides each of the cargo carrier and shipper with electronic documents to display at a respective terminal of a cargo carrier and shipper .

5. A method according to Claim 2, and further comprising the step of offering a contract by the response to the request for quote received from the shipper.

6. A method according to Claim 2, and further comprising the step of coordinating any physical tracking, palletization and loading/unloading processes through the document exchange server.

7. A method according to Claim 1, wherein the publicly accessible communications network comprises an Internet.

8. A method according to Claim 1, and further comprising the step of inputting the availability of any cargo space on an aircraft flight into a cargo space inventory database connected to the management server.

9. A method according to Claim 1, and further comprising the step of locating the reservation management server at an operations control center that is in communication with the publicly accessible communications network.

10. A method according to Claim 1, and further comprising the step of tracking the aircraft flight on which cargo space had been reserved while in the air on a display located at the terminals of the cargo carrier and shipper based on the tail number of the aircraft.

11. A method according to Claim 1, and further comprising the step of tracking the aircraft flight on which cargo space had been reserved via a graphical user interface showing the geographic location of the aircraft during flight.

12. A method of reserving cargo space on cargo charter flights comprising the steps of: inputting the availability of cargo space on aircraft flights into a cargo space inventory database connected to a reservation management server that is in communication via a publicly accessible communications network with a terminal of a cargo carrier and a terminal of a shipper; searching by the shipper of the inventory database for a desired criteria of available cargo space on a flight; displaying a graphical user interface on a display monitor of a terminal of the shipper that displays any available cargo space of an aircraft flight that meets the desired criteria from the search of the inventory database; user selecting cargo space indicia on the graphical user interface corresponding to the available cargo space; inputting data relating to the shipping parameters of the cargo to be shipped; and completing a transaction for reserving the cargo space on the aircraft.

13. A method according to Claim 12, wherein the step of completing a transaction for reserving cargo space on the aircraft flight comprises the step of initiating by the shipper a request for quote via a document exchange server.

14. A method according to Claim 13, and further comprising the step of locating the document exchange server and the reservation management server at an operations control center that is in communication with the publicly accessible communications network.

15. A method according to Claim 13, wherein the document exchange server provides each of the cargo carrier and shipper with electronic documents to display at a respective terminal of the cargo carrier and shipper.

16. A method according to Claim 13, and further comprising the step of the cargo carrier offering a contract in response to the request for quote received from the shipper.

17. A method according to Claim 13, and further comprising the step of coordinating any physical tracking, palletization and loading/unloading processes through the document exchange server.

18. A method according to Claim 12, wherein the publicly accessible communications network comprises an Internet.

19. A method according to Claim 12, and further comprising the step of inputting the availability of any cargo space on an aircraft flight into the inventory database connected to the management server.

20. A method according to Claim 12, and further comprising the step of locating the management server at an operations control center that is in communication with the publicly accessible communications network.

21. A method according to Claim 12, and further comprising the step of tracking the aircraft flight on which cargo space had been reserved while in the air on a display located at the terminals of the cargo carrier and shipper based on the tail number of the aircraft.

22. A method according to Claim 12, and further comprising the step of tracking the aircraft flight on which cargo space had been reserved via a graphical user interface showing the geographic location of the aircraft during flight.

23. A method of reserving cargo space on aircraft flights comprising the steps of: providing an operations control center having a reservation management server that is communication with a terminal of a cargo carrier and a terminal of a shipper via a publicly accessible communications network; matching through the reservation management server the availability of cargo space on an aircraft flight with a shipper having cargo to be shipped to a destination; and each of the cargo carrier and shipper accessing via their respective terminals a document exchange server for negotiating the terms of a cargo space reservation contract between the cargo carrier and shipper.

24. A method according to Claim 23, and wherein the step of matching further comprises the step of displaying a graphical user interface on a display monitor of a terminal of the shipper that displays the available cargo space of an aircraft flight.

25. A method according to Claim 23, and further comprising the step of storing availability records relating to available cargo space on aircraft flights, and supplying shipper inquiries for available cargo space on aircraft flights, and producing a match within the reservation management server between a shipper inquiry and available cargo space.

26. A method according to Claim 23, and further comprising the step of storing a plurality of shipper inquiries regarding desired cargo space on aircraft flights and maintaining selected shipper inquires active for a predetermined period of time in which a cargo carrier can respond.

27. A method according to Claim 23, and further comprising the step of storing carrier demand inquiries that request a shipper offer on available cargo space on aircraft flights and requesting a shipper offer on available cargo space on aircraft flights and matching the carrier demand inquiries with shipper inquiries within the management server to solicit an offer.

28. A method according to Claim 23, and further comprising the step of maintaining selected carrier demand inquiries active for a predetermined period of time in which a shipper can respond.

29. A method according to Claim 23, and wherein the document exchange server provides each of said cargo carrier and shipper with electronic documents to display at respective terminals of the cargo carrier and shipper.

30. A method according to Claim 23, and further comprising the step of a shipper initiating a request for quote and a cargo carrier offering a contract with terms in response to the offering.

31. A method according to Claim 23, wherein said publicly accessible communications network comprises an Internet.

32. A method according to Claim 23, and further comprising the step of publishing ad-hoc availability of cargo space on an aircraft flight by at least one cargo carrier onto the publicly accessible communications network.

33. A method according to Claim 23, and further comprising the step of tracking the aircraft flight while in air on a display located at the terminal of the shipper.

34. A method according to Claim 23, and further comprising the step of each of the cargo carrier and shipper accessing via their respective terminals a document exchange server for negotiating the terms of a cargo space reservation contract between the cargo carrier and shipper.

35. A method of reserving cargo space on an aircraft flight comprising the steps of: providing a reservation management server located at an operations control center that is in communication via a publicly accessible communications network with a terminal of at least one cargo carrier and a terminal of at least one shipper; inputting into the communications network and management server from the terminal of the at least one shipper a shipper inquiry indicating an interest in reserving cargo space on an aircraft flight; responding to the shipper inquiry by matching within the reservation management server a cargo carrier to the shipper inquiry; and each of the shipper and cargo carrier accessing a document exchange server located at the operations control center for negotiating the terms of a cargo space reservation contract between the cargo carrier and shipper.

36. A method according to Claim 35, and further comprising the step of registering in the communications network a carrier demand inquiry from a carrier offering cargo space on an aircraft flight.

37. A method according to Claim 35, and further comprising the step of monitoring the management server for any interest by a shipper in the carrier demand inquiry.

38. A method of reserving cargo space on an aircraft flight comprising: providing a management server located at an operations control center that is in communication via a publicly accessible communications network with a terminal of at least one cargo carrier and a terminal of at least one shipper; inputting into the communications network to the management server from the terminal of at least one cargo carrier a carrier demand inquiry indicating the availability of cargo space on an aircraft flight; responding to the carrier demand inquiry by matching within the management server a shipper to the carrier demand inquiry; and each of the shipper and cargo carrier accessing a document exchange server located at the charter operations control center for negotiating the terms of a cargo space reservation contract between the carrier and the shipper.

39. A method according to Claim 38, and further comprising the step of registering a carrier demand inquiry indicative of the availability of cargo space on an aircraft flight.

40. A method according to Claim 38, and further comprising the step of monitoring the communications network from the management server for a response by a shipper to the carrier demand inquiry.

41. A system for reserving cargo space on an aircraft flight comprising: an operations control center, comprising an inventory database for storing data relating to the availability of cargo space on an aircraft flight; a reservation management server connected to said inventory database and to a publicly accessible communications network for receiving carrier demand inquiries from a terminal of a cargo carrier relating to the availability of cargo space on an aircraft flight and receiving shipper inquiries from a terminal of a shipper requesting cargo space, wherein the terminal of the shipper is connected to the communications network; and a document exchange server for negotiating the terms of a cargo space reservation contract between the carrier and shipper .

42. A system according to Claim 41, wherein said document exchange server provides each of a cargo carrier and shipper with electronic documents to display at respective terminals of a cargo carrier and shipper .

43. A system according to Claim 41, wherein said publicly accessible communications network comprises an Internet.