Air New Zealand deploys real time cargo tracking technology

November 10, 2017: Harnessing the power of e-freight, Air New Zealand is all set to roll out new tracking technology, which would allow the airline to easily track and analyse the movement of cargo shipments across the globe.

According to reports, the airline is currently installing over 5,500 Bluetooth tags on its cargo containers, pallets and unit load devices. Similarly, it’s also installing more than 100 readers across 29 airports it operates.

According to experts, whenever a tagged item passes the reader, it would instinctively update an online application, thereby providing real time information to the logistics team.

Rick Nelson, General Manager of Cargo, Air New Zealand said: “This technology has been introduced as a result of direct feedback from our cargo and airport staff that saw an opportunity to enhance our handling processes. The Bluetooth tags and readers will not only allow us to speed up cargo handling but also improve our accuracy and inventory management and help to locate any missing items.”

“Core Transport Technologies Inc has been contracted to design and manufacture the tags in New Zealand. We believe this to be the first time this type of technology has been deployed at this large scale anywhere in the world. It's great to see our technology benefitting Air New Zealand and its many cargo customers and we look forward to continuing to work with the airline to further drive efficiencies,” said Ian Craig, Managing Director of Core Transport Technologies Inc.

While the technology is just being used internally at this stage, however, the airline hopes to make it customer-facing in the future.

“We see significant potential for this technology—it could be rolled out at airports to monitor ground service equipment, or used to manage mail shipments and eventually we would like to see it become customer facing so our cargo customers can more easily track their shipments,” says Nelson.