Air, Forwarding, Freight News, Logistics


Cargo group chooses BT for Heathrow slot-booking system

[ August 19, 2025   //   ]

The Air Cargo Community Advisory Body — established by the British International Freight Association (BIFA) to bring together key stakeholders to help shape the future of Heathrow Airport – has chosen BT’s CCS-UK Advanced Information System (AIS) as the preferred solution for a slot booking system for landside freight movements.

At a second meeting by the  group in August, Magdalena Deitsche, senior cargo manager at Heathrow Airport said the system’s operational flexibility, integration with existing customs infrastructure, and BT’s strong understanding of the Heathrow landscape made it a standout choice.

“With AIS, the community will be better equipped to manage landside traffic flows, reduce wait times, and improve the efficiency of cargo drop-offs and collections — especially critical for time-sensitive freight,” she explained.

The meeting also highlighted a new trial of a dedicated truck parking facility to better accommodate long-distance arrivals, offering a safe holding area outside the main cargo estate and including welfare amenities for drivers.

Claudia Carley, product and customs specialist at BT, presented an overview of how AIS will be deployed in the short term, including in preparation for the peak Christmas season.

Carley emphasised the importance of expanding AIS adoption, gathering data on congestion points, and rolling out early case studies. She also noted that community feedback will shape upcoming AIS enhancements, including updates to the driver app and future integrations aligned with the cargo estate’s redevelopment.

Industry participants interested in contributing to the Advisory Body’s work are encouraged to contact Andy Cooke at a.cooke@bifa.org

For more information or to sign up to AIS, contact Claudia Carley at claudia.carley@bt.com

The next advisory body meeting is planned for November. Details, including an agenda, will be announced soon.

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