Blockchain-based messaging and information sharing systems for air cargo supply chains

Air cargo supply chain has become an integral stage in the transportation sector. Transparent information sharing is an important factor to facilitate fast communication and achieve efficient collaboration among stakeholders in handling the air cargo processes. However, the fundamental air cargo communication channel relies on the traditional peer-to-peer messaging approach that cannot ensure efficient communication flow, and this also caused complexity in digital connections due to multiple ownership in an air cargo supply chain. Leveraging the blockchain technology (BCT), which can ensure data transparency and security, our work first explores a variety of real-world applications of BCT in the air cargo activities coordination; we then propose the blockchain-based messaging and information systems and a self-enforceable smart contract framework to streamline the communication among stakeholders. Supported by the proposed BCT-based systems, shipment coordination and collaboration are strengthened through enhanced information transparency, communication efficiency and messages accountability in the end-to-end air cargo supply chain journey.