Process optimization in the Air Cargo Industry

: the case of Portway Handling de Portugal

Abstract

The air cargo industry is going through a period of low digital technologies integration and ischaracterized by the significant use of paper processes. This dissertation explores Portway, aground handling company with more than 20 years of experience, and its possibilities of adopting optimization solutions, digital technologies, innovative and automated processes not only to turn their processes efficient but also to reduce the amount of paper used during its operations. Given this, this dissertation focuses on Portway’s air cargo operations more specifically on their import transaction processes. This thesis had the first goal to fully understand the current Portway’s air cargo import operations to further evaluate it and find possible inefficiencies. By adopting a qualitative methodology with the support of a thematic analysis it was possible to identify during the research some operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies regarding Portway’s cargo import operations. Moreover, with the findings and results from the research methods, it was possible to find optimization solutions and processes that could turn Portway’s import operations more efficient and paperless, while keeping the company competitive. As a result of this dissertation, a recommendation model with a cost-benefit analysis was created at the end, illustrating the different opportunities, paths, benefits costs and possibilities that Portway can take to improve its cargo service and operations.

Date of Award	29 Apr 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rute Xavier (Supervisor)