Polar Air Cargo Launches Web-Based Quality Management Tool; Global Implementation Improves Customer Service, Safety and Communication

Business Wire, Sept 27, 2004

PURCHASE, N.Y. -- A new, web-based quality management tool that accelerates response time to correct service problems is being introduced by Polar Air Cargo, Inc. (Polar), a leader in the international air freight business.

The Polar Quality Management Tool (PQM) establishes an Internet communications system linking all of Polar's stations around the world, dramatically shortening the time it takes to correct issues, and improving safety and customer satisfaction.

PQM, which incorporates quality initiatives that meet Cargo 2000 standards, is linked through Polar's internal e-mail system, establishing a communications infrastructure between the company's broad network of stations. Similar to the concept of a "Help Ticket," PQM creates an "Action Notice" that facilitates tracking and resolution of an issue from start to finish.

Some of the features of this innovative tool include automatic escalation routing, built-in individual accountability, established time standards, tiered levels of action priority, and data collection and reporting. PQM not only creates the mechanism to resolve individual problems, but also provides valuable information that enables Polar to identify--and correct-- recurring issues before they become a consistent problem.

"The creation of PQM is a critical element of Polar's ongoing efforts to provide its customers with as near a trouble-free environment as possible, and is also one of several continuous process improvement programs the company has initiated," says Edward Hernandez, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing. "In the event of a service issue, PQM will markedly shorten corrective time by quickly identifying the problem and linking together all the individuals who can resolve it."

Polar Air Cargo, Inc. is a global airfreight carrier specializing in time-definite, airport-to-airport scheduled service. Polar provides a critical link in the international logistics chain by connecting major cargo markets in Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas with frequent Boeing 747 freighter services. With facilities at major U.S. gateways, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami, and extensive networks in Europe, South America and Asia, Polar provides international freight forwarders and agents with reliable connections on scheduled routes and available on-forwarding capabilities. Polar is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Pink Sheets: AAWWV). For more information, visit the Polar web site at www.polaraircargo.com.