Cargo Eyes to optimize Airlines Cargo Payloads

Hi All,

Alright, let’s dive into this whole 3D Cargo ULDs scene, and get a feel for how these high-tech solutions are shaking things up in the airline cargo biz.

First off, for those scratching their heads, wondering what ULD stands for, it’s ‘Unit Load Device’. These are those pallets and containers that get loaded onto planes, all packed with goods. Now, the goal here is to stuff these planes as efficiently as possible, ’cause, let’s be real, time is money, and space is, well, also money when it comes to flying stuff across the globe.

So, how do the pros tackle this? They’ve got these nifty cargo assembling tools and, oh boy, AI is the MVP here. Think of AI as the mastermind that knows exactly where to put what and how to save up on space without breaking any rules. It’s like playing Tetris, but instead of blocks, you’ve got everything from electronics to exotic fruits.

However .. Despite technology involved first thing first Airlines are gonna manually do these

ULD-s gatta be pre inspected :

• Pallets and nets must be checked for serviceability.
• Place the empty pallet on a pallet dolly or a pallet rack.
• Spread polyethylene sheet on the pallet.
• Cargo support (spreader or dunnage) must be placed if the packages exceed the maximum floor load limitation.
• Place drain-boards when necessary.
• Place the packages on the pallet.
  1. Place heavy packages as the lowest tier.
  2. All packages must be securely stacked against each other.
  3. Packages must be placed so the center of gravity of the loaded pallet will fall as closely as possible to the lateral or longitudinal centerline of the pallet.
• Apply a pallet cover (polyethylene sheet) over the entire load on the pallet.
• Install and tighten the net assembly..
• Weigh the loaded pallet.
• Complete and attach Container/Pallet Tag

1. Steps in Netting

• When the net is not permanently attached to the pallet, spread out a net assembly to ensure correct orientation. Disentangle all knotted/tangled parts.
• Spread the net assembly over the load evenly ensuring all packages are covered by the net.
• Attach all fittings before attempting to tighten the net assembly.
• Fittings must be spaced out evenly. If the net assembly consist of more than one piece, join all pieces first before tightening.
• Tighten the net assembly with just sufficient strength to make it taut so the tension is applied evenly on all four sides. Nets and straps shall be firmly secured but do not make them over-tight. Excessive tension will bend the pallet and will result in difficulty to engage the aircraft floor locks and side guides.

Now, compatibility is key. Not all ULDs are created equal, and they’ve got to fit the aircraft like a glove. So you’ve got different shapes and sizes, like the ‘LD3s’ that are buddies with the belly of a Boeing 777, or the ‘PMC pallets’ that get cozy in a 747 freighter. The AI takes all this into account, and like a puzzle master, it figures out the best combo.

And some airlines? They’re already soaring high with this tech. Take Etihad Cargo, for example. They’ve got this thing called ‘Cargo Eye’, and it’s pretty much the Sherlock Holmes of cargo optimization. It looks at the cargo, the ULDs, the aircraft, and says, “Here’s how you’re gonna pack it, and here’s how you’re gonna save dough doing it.”

But hey, don’t think we’re all about robots and algorithms. There’s still room for the human touch. Manual built-up plans haven’t packed their bags just yet. Sometimes, you need that experienced loader who can look at a bulky shipment and say, “I’ve got a hunch this can fit better.” They work alongside the AI, making sure that everything is not just efficient, but also safe and secure. Because when you’re flying at 35,000 feet, you don’t want any surprises.

In the end, it’s all about that perfect balance – tech-savvy tools and good ol’ human insight. Together, they’re making sure that when your cargo takes to the skies, it’s riding first-class, without the extra cost. And that, folks, is how you get the most bang for your buck in the high-flying world of airline cargo.

Salam Sehat Semangat Sukses

Bambang Purnomo , SS-BA, CSCA, CAVM Solution Consultant