# Blockchain for Air Cargo Tracking

> Blockchain technology is being explored to improve transparency and efficiency in air cargo supply chains. The technology would enable comprehensive traceability of air cargo shipments and could theoretically automate customs processing. However, since no verified implementations or concrete projects are documented, this remains a conceptual use case scenario.

**Sector:** Tertiary sector · **Industry:** Aviation · **Organisation:** PLOGchain (FFG-gefördertes Forschungsprojekt, Österreich) · **Maturity level:** Concept

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/plogchain-fracht-echtzeit-tracken

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Concept
- **Evidence:** Evidence medium
- **Editorial review:** Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026

## Description

PLOGchain (Pharmaceutical Logistics Chain) is an Austrian research project funded by the FFG (Funding Agency). The project examined the use of blockchain technology for real-time tracking of freight shipments with a special focus on temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical air freight.

Air freight logistics is highly complex: a shipment from Vienna to Sydney typically involves 5-7 different organisations (sender, forwarder, ground handler, carrier, transit hubs, customs, recipient). Each handover point generates paper documents; no party has complete visibility. PLOGchain solved this problem for the Austrian context: all shipment events are blockchain-documented; all authorised participants see the same status in real time. PwC Germany simultaneously supported companies in blockchain supply chain implementations and published a comprehensive guide on blockchain in the supply chain. Air France-KLM already evaluated the use of blockchain for its MRO processes in 2017 (Aviation Today). The PricewaterhouseCoopers model estimates the potential blockchain value in the air freight sector at 3.5 billion USD global savings through efficiency gains.

## Benefits

- Improved coordination between different actors in the air freight industry through a shared data basis.
- Increased transparency throughout the entire air freight supply chain through immutable data recording.
- Theoretical reduction of delays through automated processes and improved coordination.
- Possible cost reductions through fewer manual errors and more efficient handling.
- Less repetitive manual tasks through automation of documentation processes.

## Challenges

- High implementation costs and complex integration into existing freight management systems.
- Lack of interoperability between different blockchain networks and existing systems.
- Need for industry-wide standardisation and coordination among all stakeholders.
- Required further training to handle new blockchain-based workflows.

## Technology foundation

A hybrid blockchain solution would be suitable for air freight tracking as it can meet both public transparency and private data protection requirements. Smart contracts could enable automated processes for customs clearance and document processing.

## Sources

- [PLOGchain Endbericht](https://projekte.ffg.at/anhang/5ea6696f8b1e4_PLOGchain_Endbericht.pdf)
- [Blockchain in der Lieferkette](https://www.pwc.de/de/operations-transformation/supply-chain-management/blockchain-in-der-lieferkette.html)