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PHOTO: dnata Singapore
informed The STAT Trade Times that the Changi is anticipating fully driverless bag-
company plays an active role in support- gage delivery operations by 2024.
ing this by infusing best practices, and Lim informed that Changi Airport
international experience into the field and is investing with their partners to trial
collaborating with other players in the autonomous solutions, like autonomous
ecosystem to ensure cross-pollination and tractors, to reduce manpower in airport
alignment that benefits the entire local ramp operations such as baggage and
aviation community. cargo transport.
“In recent years we’ve significantly While cargo “Additionally,” he added, “Changi is also
invested in infrastructure, equipment implementing asset tracking solutions for
and technologies to provide best-in-class connectivity remains motorised ground support equipment to
cargo services to our customers in Singa- critical, the airport achieve optimised deployment, increase
pore,” he said. productivity, and enhance overall ramp
Gould noted that, while cargo connec- also prioritises raising handling.”
tivity remains critical to anchor Changi Air- In terms of digitalisation, Lim gave the
port's position as a leading air cargo hub, service quality for long- example of an initiative jointly devel-
it also prioritises raising service quality in term sustainable cargo oped with the airport community called
cargo handling and unlocking capacity for the Truck Dock Slot Booking (TDSB)
long-term sustainable cargo growth by growth by leveraging application.
leveraging automation and digitalisation. “It evens out cargo lodgment and
“With airfreight operations consolidated automation and collection at the air freight terminals, pro-
at the Changi Airfreight Centre and Airport digitalisation. viding greater insights to landside freight
Logistics Park of Singapore, this 24-hour movement activities and leading to lesser
Free Trade Zone allows transshipment Sam Gould truck waiting time. It is targeted for roll-
cargo to be broken down and reconsoli- dnata Singapore out to the wider Changi Airport air cargo
dated with minimal customs formalities, community in early 2024,” he said.
which reduces cargo processing times as focuses on offering seamless operations Changi Airport also leads the air cargo
well as costs,” he added. with end-to-end visibility underpinned by industry by prioritising the enhancement
In addition, he pointed out that Changi’s innovation and digitisation through a more of special cargo handling capabilities. For
extensive air network is complemented by connected air cargo ecosystem.” example, Lim notes that its pioneering
Singapore’s position as a leading seaport. Automation and digitalisation are initiative, Pharma@Changi, in partnership
As he puts it, “With seamless air-sea con- some of the crucial factors that would with IATA CEIV Pharma-certified companies
nectivity, Singapore offers customised solu- determine the ability to handle efficient in Changi, exemplifies their commitment
tions to both e-commerce companies and cargo operations and Changi Airport has to advancing cold chain expertise.
manufacturers. To capitalise on these op- been investing in both consistently. For “This also reinforces our standing as the
portunities, the local air cargo supply chain example, with promising trials underway, preferred regional pharmaceutical gate-
4 | NOVEMBER 2023 www.stattimes.com