WG&A gears up to better its electronic capabilities

William, Gothong & Aboitiz, Inc. (WG&A) is gearing up to improve its electronic capabilities to pave way for an online ticketing system, containerized cargo operations with a tracking system and an online logistics business.

WG&A president Endika M. Aboitiz, Jr. said they hope to “dramatically improve’’ service levels, capacities and frequencies by 2003 as part of efforts to cope with the effects of globalization.

“We dream of selling our tickets to anyone, anywhere, online through a PDA cum mobile phone, or a laptop with a third-generation phone or a desktop anywhere in the world, Aboitiz said.

He added, “we dream of moving containers on our ships together with detailed information of their contents running back and forth as you need it on our high-speed broadband lines. We dream of online orders to pick up pieces of cargo from various sources, a hub to consolidate them and then deliver to the consumers.’’

Earlier, WG&A concluded the purchase of two Superferries with a capacity of 2,000 passengers and around 50 cars. These will be delivered in September and are targeted to become operational before the end of this year. A third one has also been concluded.

“The vision was to build a strong company that would be able to withstand the changes of the future. We did just that. However, it was not easy,’’ Aboitiz said.

During their “period of turmoil’’ from 1996 to 1999, Aboitiz said WG&A lost its freight business because of poor service. They also failed to realize full revenue potential because of a defective accounting system.

But the company has made a turn around. For the first time last year, the company declared a dividend.

Aboitiz also said that last year, the company launched a new operating system that is capable of world-class booking opportunities.

The WG&A hotel group is also continuously upgrading towards cruise level standards. Some 7,000 new containers were also brought in last year. (PNA)