The logistics world is on the cusp of some exciting new technology including printable ‘smart’ labels with GPS-type functionality that could eliminate barcode scanning, vision-based monitoring systems and low-cost remote connectivity for oceans and deserts, said a DHL expert.
Speaking at the unveiling of a new DHL’s mobile tech center for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) in Dubai South on 27 October, head of innovation and, commercial Matthius Heutger said that analytics and robotics were also poised to bring huge advances to the industry.
The Mobile Middle East and Africa (MEA) Innovation Center will spearhead the development of logistics innovation in the MEA region, with a focus on trends in IoT and Data Analytics. Although it will offer the same facilities as DHL’s similar existing centres in Chicgo, Cologne and Singapore, the MEA centre is designed to be dismantled and packed into standard ISO shipping containers, so it can be moved to different countries in the region. Following its unveiling in Dubai, it is set to go on a tour of countries throughout the Middle East and Africa.
It will offer 450sq m to showcase the technical developments that DHL is currently working on and that it believes will revolutionise the supply chain in the near future. The Center will present a collaborative platform for customers, partners and other thought leaders to solve complex logistics challenges, learn about the latest trends and network with industry innovators across the MEA region.
Exhibits in the center will reflect the unique requirements of DHL’s customers in the region, with a focus on internet of things, artificial intelligence, robotics, bionic enhancement and data analytics.
The facility is expected to stay in Dubai until 2022, then move to Qatar, the next location on its journey across the MEA region, and is expected to continue its journey through to 2027.
DHL takes its tech on the road
Drones could deliver lower CO2 emissions, says report
Commercial drones have the potential to cut CO2 emissions for freight deliveries by half, says a report byInmarsat and Cranfield University(‘UAVs: Unlocking positive transformation in the world – UAVs: Unlocking positive transformation in the world – Inmarsat).
Cranfield used its own modelling and primary data resources to compare the CO2 emissions omitted by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and small light commercial vehicles (LCVs). The results found a significant reduction in CO2 emissions produced when using UAVs for freight delivery.
An LCV delivering 10 similar sized packages per eight-hour shift over a 5km delivery radius, and following a regular schedule of consecutive deliveries produce 3,394 grams per 24 hours; a large UAV with a 50kg payload operating in the same delivery protocol produced only 1,800g of emissions per 24 hours while a medium-sized UAV carrying a 5kg payload and making separate individual journeys from the central warehouse rather than consecutive deliveries, produced 2,160g.
The report also explored non-commercial benefits of UAVs such as delivering humanitarian and medical aid to remote communities and conflict zones, surveillance to protect endangered animals from poachers and monitoring illegal deforestation or mining operations.
Cranfield’s pro-vice-chancellor of the School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Professor Dame Helen Atkinson, said: “Commercial UAVs have the potential to transform our world in a range of safe and environmentally friendly ways. This report is an important step in harnessing the power of UAVs and unlocking the opportunities they offer to advance air transport activities and services with fast and efficient delivery of goods.”
Over the next seven years, the commercial UAV market is projected to increase from $2.32 billion in 2021 to $11.29 billion in 2028. However, there are still regulatory challenges in allowing UAVs to fly beyond visual line of sight and integrate with other air traffic, as well as the need for well-structured regulation.
Stakeholders flock to Indian airport system
Kale’s Airport Cargo Community System says it has 95% adoption by stakeholders at Bengaluru Airport in India, following the operator’s decision roll-out in March this year.
The system connects customs, customs brokers, terminal operators, shippers, airlines, trucking companies, ground and cargo handlers and freight forwarders.
Kale’s ACS has made real-time data available to the whole community and has significantly reduced duplication and manual data entry.
Chief executive of Kale Logistics Solutions, Amar More (Pictured), said: “Kale’s ACS is a next-gen community platform which will enable collaboration between stakeholders in the supply chain to launch new services and deliver superior customer experiences,” said.
“Our ACS is built on the principle of enabling a cohesive ecosystem of partnership and driving efficiency in air cargo operations with the highest level of data accuracy, security and compliance.”
WFS signs three-year Lufthansa Brazil deal
Lufthansa Cargo has awarded a three-year contract to Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport to handle cargo carried onboard its passenger, freighter and ‘preighter’ services.
The agreement, which commenced this month, is WFS’ first contract including cargo-only operations in Brazil.
Lufthansa Cargo a offers daily Boeing 747-800 passenger services connecting the Brazilian city and Frankfurt as well as a weekly B777 freighter flight, which also provides cargo capacity for shipments from Viracopos International Airport and Argentina’s Ezeiza International Airport to Frankfurt. WFS will also provide cargo handling services to support Lufthansa Cargo’s on-demand A340-300 ‘preighter’ flights ex São Paulo.
IBS brings unity to Avianca
Colombian carrier Avianca has completed implementation of IBS Software’s iCargo air cargo management platform.
It provides a single unified cargo management platform for the carrier and all its affiliated airlines, including AeroUnion – an all-cargo carrier based in Mexico. The implementation includes iCargo Web Portal suite, which provides a range of self-help tools to increase Avianca Cargo’s cargo selling capabilities and provides customers with digital channel for booking and tracking instead of email and call centers.
Avianca Cargo has grown through acquisitions and mergers, which resulted in a range of different systems, tools, and business processes. By implementing an end-to-end cargo management platform, Avianca Cargo has unified dissimilar business systems into a single platform used by all group carriers allowing them to offer consolidated routes and bookings.
Four more postal sites for Cargo Force
Handling company Cargo Force is opening four new facilities in the US for mail and express in partnership with United States Postal Service (USPS) under a $100m, seven-year contract. The new facilities, in Seattle, Washington; San Diego, California; Detroit, Michigan; and Orlando, Florida, cover 173,000 square feet in total and will create 255 new jobs. The Seattle facility opened its doors on 4 October, and the San Diego, Detroit, and Orlando facilities are due to follow on 1 November.
Cargo Force chief executive, Jared Azcuy, said: “The opening of these new facilities expands the 26 years of partnership we have developed with USPS and broadens our customer offerings across the US.
“The extension of our relationship with USPS will see Cargo Force begin providing mail handling services at four new locations, as well as continuing to provide these services at the existing sites across Jacksonville International Airport, Florida, and Eppley Airfield, Nebraska. This represents considerable business growth for Cargo Force and is an important step as we seek to expand our North American footprint.”
Rickenbacker runway ready for cargo giants
The primary runway at freight-focused Ohio gateway Rickenbacker International Airport is now open after completing upgrades to serve expanded operations by the world’s largest freighter aircraft.
The work on 12,000ft long 5R-23L included resurfacing, construction of 40 ft. shoulders and expanded blast pads, relocation or replacement of airfield navigational aids and updated lighting and signage.
DHL starts work on Abu Dhabi gateway
DHL Express has started construction of a new stand-alone logistics hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The 15,000sq m facility, on a 30,000sq m airside/landside plot in ADIA’s Future Cargo Area, is being developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone Authority – a wholly owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Airports – and Middle East General Enterprises.
It will be a consolidated hub including an import and export gateway, service center, logistics center and road network, with an initial head count of 210 employees. Completion is expected in late 2022
It features a 10,800sq m built-up area, with future expansion potential to increase capacity by an additional 50%. It will be to handle up to 3,600 inbound and outbound/ transit shipments per hour, or 86,400 shipments and service customers in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, as well as supporting other countries of DHL network. It will be built to the latest TAPA security regulations.
Chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, Shareef Al Hashmi, commented: “DHL Express’ new logistics hub is an exciting and welcomed new addition to Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Future Cargo offering which strengthens our presence as a facilitator of global trade and bolsters Abu Dhabi’s position as an important regional and international hub for air freight.
“As a leading logistics provider and one of our valued strategic partners, DHL Express’ new hub is sure to further augment value-added logistics and supply chain services in the emirate and accelerate trade flows moving in and out of the UAE.”
WFS to provide Paris palletisation
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has awarded Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) a two-year contract to provide staff for one of the palletisation lanes at its G1XL freight terminal at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is the first time the handler has provided cargo airline assistance via an in-house customer warehouse operation instead of in its own facility. WFS already provides cargo handling and documentation services for Air France at Paris Orly and at regional French airports.
Alliance Ground buys Chicago’s Maestro
Florida-based air cargo handler Alliance Ground International (AGI) has acquired fellow-Chicago operator Maestro Cargo. Established in 2017 by chief executive officer Edip Pektas and chief operating officer Sanj Rathi. Specialises in cold-chain pharmaceutical. Alliance said the acquisition also adds airport warehouses and aircraft parking at Chicago O’Hare, giving it a combined warehouse footprint of over 1 million square feet.
AGI chief executive Jared Azcuy (pictured), said: “It’s great to welcome Maestro and its employees to AGI. Maestro is well known for its customer service and innovative solution offering at ORD. I look forward to working with Edip, Sanj, and the rest of the Maestro team, who share my enthusiasm for our employees, our customers, and the handling industry. AGI will continue to aggressively pursue opportunities to partner with companies like MIC to expand our growing presence in North America and beyond with a focus on air cargo and below the wing services to the dedicated air freighter and commercial aviation markets.”
Edip Pektas added: “We are very happy to be a part of the AGI team. We have worked with AGI for years and have always admired their large operation and strategic growth approach. We are looking forward to building the business together at O’Hare and across the country and are very excited that our employees will have new opportunities and possibilities.”