Freight forwarder Panalpina has launched a new online tool for customers of its charter network.

Aircharter.panalpina.com provides an overview of scheduled cargo flights and of all cargo aircraft in the world available for chartering on any given day.

The charter tool "focuses on user-experience with a responsive design featuring drag-and-drop origin and destination functionality, current aircraft availability by geography and routes, types of aircraft and much more".

Panalpina global head of airfreight Lucas Kuehner said: “Especially during seasons with high and ad-hoc demand or in case of emergencies, customers can rely on the charter tool.

"The semi-annual retendering of our subcontractors and respective framework agreements keep the Charter Network up-to-date and agile, ensuring that Panalpina can always provide a reliable and secure transport across the globe at any given time."

Panalpina said the platform allows customers to select the start and destination airports and then select the earliest pick-up and latest delivery dates.

With additional information about weight and height of the cargo, the tool suggests the most suitable charter solutions. Customers can then immediately request an individual offer based on the provided information.

Panalpina's airfreight network currently consists of one Boeing 747-8F ACMI leased from Atlas Air, while it also charters either whole aircraft or arranges part-charters on a scheduled and ad hoc basis.