GF-X SIGNS WITH MERCATOR FOR MIDEAST, AFRICA, INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

GF-X SIGNS WITH MERCATOR FOR MIDEAST, AFRICA, INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

   Global Freight Exchange Ltd., a U.K.-based business-to-business e-commerce start-up, has signed an agreement with Mercator, the information technology subsidiary of the Emirates Group, to market GF-X's wholesale air freight exchange for forwarders and airlines in the Mideast, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.

   GF-X “has been working extremely closely with Mercator to implement the transactional platform for Emirates SkyCargo,” said David Ravech, co-chief executive officer of GF-X. Emirates SkyCargo was Mercator's first customer, and among the first airlines to join GF-X's pilot program that was launched in May and completed in September. GF-X officially opened the exchange earlier this month.

'    Deutsche Post AG and Lufthansa Cargo are among the largest investors in GF-X. Other companies working with the marketplace developer include American Airlines Cargo, British Airways World Cargo, Cargolux Airlines, Continental Airlines Cargo, Danzas AEI, DHL International, Fritz Cos., Kuehne & Nagel, Exel, Panalpina, Swisscargo and Yusen Air and Sea Service.

'    GF-X recently has secured commitments from China Airlines, Geodis, Schenker and UTi Worldwide to participate in the exchange.