While many of us have long had a host of online payment methods to choose from in our personal life or when travelling as aviation passengers, digital payment solutions over in the air cargo industry are only just properly emerging and can still be counted on one hand. The international network of air cargo specialists, Neutral Air Partner (NAP), is one of the pioneers in this regard. It recently launched NAPAY – a payment solution developed together with CargoAi especially for its 400+ members.
It was PayCargo, in fact, that pioneered digital payments in air cargo, when it first launched in MAR20 – just when it seemed that the world was disappearing into lockdown. Around the same time, CargoAi began conceptualizing its own online solution which eventually launched as CargoWALLET in FEB23. This was followed in OCT23, by a digital version of IATA’s CASS original payment method that had been around since 1971, and a year later, WebCargo by Freightos brought out its own WebCargo Pay in OCT24.
NAPAY launches 28FEB25
Neutral Air Partner (NAP), “a leading industry network committed to optimizing air cargo operations”, is the latest to join the small party of digital solution providers. With the launch of NAPAY on 28FEB25, it celebrates the culmination of a project that began as a suggestion during a TIACA networking event, as CargoAi’s Founder and CEO, Matt Petot, revealed on LinkedIn last week: “Very proud of this great partnership! What started to be casually discussed 3 years ago during a nice lunch at a TIACA event with Christos [Spyrou – NAP CEO], became the ultimate Netting solution for freight forwarders with our CargoWALLET.”
The need for speed
When CargoForwarder Global (CFG) asked how the idea for an own NAP payment solution came about, NAP explained that: “Our airfreight forwarder and consolidator members handle hundreds of transactions monthly within the network (payables and receivables), resulting in significant time consumption and high bank and Forex charges.” The need for speed, security, and ease in carrying out financial transactions, led to NAPAY. “Our payment solution and new wallet eliminate these challenges by enabling members to seamlessly pay each other, as well as third-party suppliers such as ground handlers, GSSAs, airlines, and consolidators — regardless of how the booking is made, whether through Cargo AI or other booking portals, or directly to an airline or a member manually.”
An exclusive design
It took around 2 years of close collaboration with CargoAi, to tailor a solution exclusively for NAP’s members, even to the extent of having its own branding: NAPAY combines the network’s acronym with the function the solution offers. NAP administrates the customized platform, though the backend is powered by CargoAi’s CargoWALLET. The result is a system that delivers “secure, fast, and seamless financial transactions across global air cargo operations.” Freight forwarders, consolidators, airlines, and GSSAs within the NAP network can all use the system to rapidly and easily process international payments. It is early days yet, but NAP told CFG that it expects 80 % of its 400+ members to use NAPAY within the year. The members are charged a small fee per transaction that is largely offset by the positive impact of a far more efficient payment system.
Attractive features
Since NAPAY is built on CargoWALLET, its users can enjoy the many features that CargoWALLET offers. These include real-time payment processing across more than 150 countries and in 47 currencies; secure, transparent transactions that are encrypted and traceable if needed, and comply with international standards; and operational efficiency thanks to streamlined financial operations. Faster, safer payments naturally result in reduced operational costs and better cashflow management. NAPAY was piloted prior to its official launch and interest in the platform is huge as Damien Rizzo, CFO of EZ Cargo, confirmed: “I’m excited to start using NAPAY! As an NAP network member, we frequently send and receive payments with other global members. Traditional payment options are slow and expensive, but NAPAY offers real-time payments at a reasonable cost. It’s easy to use, helping us keep freight moving efficiently!”
Game-changer for the industry
The final word goes to the heads of the two companies so intensively involved in launching NAPAY.
Olivier Veyrac, Senior Vice President of CargoAi’s CargoWALLET, stated: “We are excited to collaborate with Neutral Air Partner on NAPAY – a solution that exemplifies how digital innovation can transform freight logistics. By leveraging CargoWALLET’s capabilities, NAPAY delivers secure, real-time payments that support our mutual commitment to efficiency and excellence in the air cargo industry. This partnership reinforces our vision to simplify global freight transactions and drive sustainable growth.” NAP’s CEO, Christos Spyrou, concluded: “Partnering with CargoWallet to launch NAPAY marks a significant milestone for Neutral Air Partner. Our goal is to empower our network with an advanced, reliable payment solution that not only simplifies transactions between members but also drives efficiency and transparency across the entire air cargo logistics ecosystem. NAPAY is a game-changer for our industry.”
