Page 18 - STAT-March-2024-for-wesbite

industryreport

“The precision and reliability of these
drones have surpassed our expectations,
leading to a transformative impact on our
efficiency levels. These advancements
have a direct positive impact on our airline
customers who can benefit from heightened
accuracy, reduced turnaround times and shipments. The cold chain complex features
smoother logistics operations,” says dnata’s a dedicated area for dangerous substances
senior vice president for UAE cargo and with three separate temperature zones.
global cargo strategy, Guillaume Crozier. Swissport International, inaugurated a new
Cargo handling companies are increas- 4,000 square meter warehouse at Zaragoza
ingly turning to robots to revolutionise Airport in Spain last year.
their operations, focusing on improving Sustainability is also key for making cargo
efficiency, safety, and accuracy. This trend handling more efficient. Cargo handling
is driven by various factors, starting with companies can promote sustainability
the industry's ongoing struggle with by investing in electric or hybrid Ground
labour shortages. Robots offer a solution Support Equipment (GSE) to reduce emis-
to this challenge by taking on physically At JASG, we are sions, encouraging the use of sustainable
demanding and repetitive tasks, allowing aviation fuel (SAF), implementing energy-
human workers to focus on more complex committed to balancing efficient practices, minimising water usage,
responsibilities. Moreover, the adoption establishing waste sorting and recycling
of robots in cargo handling operations is efficiency with sustainable programmes, adopting sustainable building
also aimed at enhancing overall efficiency. practices in cargo designs are some examples.
Various examples illustrate the diverse ways “At Jardine Aviation Services, we are
in which robots are integrated into air cargo handling. committed to balancing efficiency with
handling operations. Automated Guided Vivien Lau sustainable practices in cargo handling. For
Vehicles (AGVs) are self-driving vehicles that JASG the vehicles in the cargo apron, we have
efficiently transport cargo within ware- been replacing them with electric vehicles
houses, freeing up human workers for more to introduce, and these all help solve recruit- which is in support of the Electrification
intricate tasks. Robotic arms, on the other ment problems,” states Hactl’s Kwong. Roadmap of Airport Authority Hong Kong.
hand, are versatile machines capable of lift- Additionally, Ground handling compa- In our frontline office, we are migrating
ing, sorting, and palletizing cargo, thereby nies are making strategic investments in air paper forms into e-forms and mobile apps
reducing manual labour and the associated cargo terminals and cool chain complexes. to minimize paper usage,’’ says Lau of JASG.
risks of injury. Additionally, the implemen- This move allows them to diversify their dnata has switched their vehicles to run
tation of Automated Storage and Re- service portfolio beyond traditional on a biofuel blend. dnata's newest initiative
trieval Systems (AS/RS) further streamlines ground handling activities, capturing a is aligned with its goal to cut its carbon
operations by employing robots to store larger share of the air cargo market and footprint and landfill waste by 20% by 2024.
and retrieve cargo from high-bay shelves, generating additional revenue through Menzies Aviation has installed almost 900
optimising space utilisation and improving value-added services like cool chain man- solar panels at its cargo facility at Prague
access times. agement. By owning and operating these Airport. According to Menzies, the panels
Menzies has implemented a robot facilities, they gain greater control over are set to produce more than 350 megawatt
named 'Mimi' to track goods throughout the entire cargo handling process, lead- hours (MWh) annually and reduce emissions
every stage of the warehouse process. ing to streamlined operations, improved across Menzies’ Prague operations by 25%.
'Mimi' plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency, and cost savings. Additionally, While navigating diverse challenges,
inventory management and optimising slot they can implement stricter quality control the air cargo handling industry is em-
utilisation within the warehouse. measures, ensuring consistent temperature bracing transformation. Technological
Hactl on the other hand is also adopt- maintenance and minimising product advancements like AI, drones, and robots
ing robots in its operations “Hactl has been spoilage, ultimately enhancing customer are improving efficiency and accuracy.
progressively adopting robotics over the past satisfaction. These investments are a Investments in modern facilities and cool
two years: first with our Automated Parts response to growing market demands, chain complexes cater to evolving needs.
Store that dispenses machinery parts for our particularly in the e-commerce and phar- Sustainability efforts through electric
handling systems around the clock, then maceutical sectors, where efficient and equipment, alternative fuels, and waste
with security robot patrols around the ramp reliable air cargo transportation is crucial reduction practices are gaining traction.
area; and most recently with the deployment for temperature-sensitive goods. As the industry prioritises innovation and
of our first driverless ramp tractors, which are Hactl has launched its new cool chain adaptation, it remains a critical link in the
being used to tow dollies in the ramp. There complex (CCC), providing a seamless han- global supply chain, ensuring efficient trade
are other robotics applications that we plan dling process for temperature-controlled and economic growth. 
16 | MARCH 2024 www.stattimes.com