• Avianca Cargo and Kuehne+Nagel have won the Cargo iQ Quality Rally for their continuous improvement methodology. The event was held in Frankfurt, Germany this year.
• The joint project showcased how regular performance reviews help identify improvement opportunities and translate them into actions that enhance operational performance and customer service.
• The project stood out across the three criteria assessed by the jury. The quality of the presentation, how clearly the lessons learned were articulated, and the relevance of the improvement, including its potential impact across the industry and its viability for implementation.

Avianca Cargo and Kuehne+Nagel won the Cargo iQ Quality Rally for their continuous improvement methodology. Held in Frankfurt, Germany, the event brought together different organizations to present projects addressing various topics across the air cargo industry. Their joint project showcased how regular performance reviews help identify improvement opportunities and translate them into actions that enhance operational performance and customer service.

The methodology focuses on two aspects of the Cargo iQ standard. The first is coverage, which verifies that messages reporting each operational milestone are sent. The second is performance, which measures whether those milestones are completed within the planned timeframes. Addressing both provides a more accurate view of shipment progress and the processes that require attention.

“We want every improvement in our operation to translate into better service for our customers. Working alongside Kuehne+Nagel allows us to identify where we can be more efficient and take coordinated action to achieve that. This recognition encourages us to continue strengthening our operational reliability and the quality of the information we provide, so our customers can plan and make decisions with greater confidence,” said Diogo Elias, CEO of Avianca Cargo.

To achieve this, Avianca Cargo and Kuehne+Nagel conduct regular reviews, align their data, and track improvement initiatives. This work is supported by digital tools, trend analysis, and standardized operational processes to identify the causes of deviations, assign responsibilities, and implement corrective actions.

For shippers and freight forwarders, access to reliable, timely shipment information supports planning and helps manage disruptions. Tracking compliance with operational milestones also helps build confidence when choosing an airline to transport their goods.

“Congratulations to the Avianca and Kuehne+Nagel teams for winning the Frankfurt Round! Their results shows that the value of a standard lies not in defining it, but in using it in a disciplined manner,” said Marie Seco-Koeppen, Executive Director of Cargo iQ.

The project stood out across the three criteria assessed by the jury. The quality of the presentation, how clearly the lessons learned were articulated, and the relevance of the improvement, including its potential impact across the industry and its viability for implementation.

This joint effort also contributes to Kuehne+Nagel’s Global Partnership Agreement (GPA), specifically to its Data Quality Program. Through this collaboration, both teams are strengthening their global relationship and working together to meet the standards expected of Kuehne+Nagel’s global airline partners.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with Avianca Cargo and our shared commitment to continuous improvement. Through our Preferred Partner Program, we work closely together to enhance data quality, operational performance, and shipment visibility, helping us deliver a more reliable experience for customers while supporting higher standards across the air cargo industry,” said Holger Ketz, Global Head of Air Logistics Network & Carrier Management at Kuehne+Nagel .

Through this methodology, Avianca Cargo and Kuehne+Nagel turn performance monitoring into an ongoing improvement process. Their collaboration supports more efficient operations, greater shipment visibility, and a more coordinated response to customer needs.

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