Etihad Cargo expands digitalization of cargo loading, sales

Etihad Cargo announced it is further automating its air cargo processes. [caption id="attachment_57136130" align="alignright" width="300"] Etihad Cargo has partnered with Descartes Systems Group and Jettainer to further automate its air cargo processes. (Photo/Etihad Cargo)[/caption] Etihad is using Descartes Systems Group ’s next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) solution integrated with Germany-based Jettainer ’s unit load device (ULD) management services to track cargo. “Bluetooth tags affixed to ULD containers or pallets prior to loading communicate with readers in the Descartes IoT network to provide real-time location information, as well as shipment-level condition data [e.g., temperature, light, humidity and movement] and chain-of-custody detail,” Scott Sangster , general manager of logistics service providers at Descartes, told Air Cargo Next . “Tags can also be added to any ground-service equipment, like dollies, for full control over a carrier’s equipment.” With coverage in more than 1,300 tag-reader locations and 200 airports worldwide, Descartes operates one of the world’s largest IoT networks, according to Sangster. “The solution helps carriers reduce asset losses, better match capacity with asset inventory, and reduce the costs associated with misplaced equipment or the requirement to lease additional assets,” he said. Etihad Cargo has installed more than 7,000 IoT BLE tags and plans to have the tags installed across its entire fleet by year’s end, Etihad Cargo Head of Cargo Operations and Delivery Thomas Schurmann told Air Cargo Next . “This technology will enable Etihad Cargo to achieve efficiencies across our operations,” Schurmann said. “Fewer manhours will be required for manual input.” He also touted the technology’s ability to track and trace missing and lost ULDs. The number of ULDs lost or misplaced by Etihad Cargo is in line with the industry average. Ram Krishnaswamy , Jettainer general manager of the Middle East, Africa and Indian subcontinent, said in a release that Jettainer’s work with Descartes “can be a powerful boost to our service. Potential benefits are not limited to ULD processing, we also see value in streamlining export, transit and import cargo processes and will explore this further with our customers and partners.” Sales Cockpit improves customer relations Etihad Cargo has partnered with Netherlands-based data-driven strategy consultancy Rotate to co-develop a sales optimization tool, Sales Cockpit, that will analyze data and generate recommendations on how the carrier can strengthen customer relationships, including an overview of current business and future opportunities. “Digitalization is already revolutionizing the air cargo sector,” Etihad Cargo Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Cargo Martin Drew said in a release. “Sales Cockpit will effectively put all the information Etihad Cargo’s sales representatives would need to develop stronger customer partnerships in the palms of their hands, providing actionable, algorithm-generated suggestions and initiatives based on customer-focused data.” Rotate Managing Director Ryan Keyrouse said working with Etihad Cargo on Sales Cockpit gives his company “unique access” to an active sales team. “Airlines have an increasing amount of internal and market data that today is largely under-leveraged. Rotate is helping airlines turn that data into action on the frontline,” Keyrouse told Air Cargo Next . “We are doing this in co-development with selected airlines to validate the tool’s functionality and ensure adoption.” A I optimizes cargo loading Etihad Cargo also this month launched an artificial intelligence (AI) -powered solution to improve cargo volumes by optimizing capacity on every flight across its network. The carrier began working with Singapore-based software company Speedcargo Technologies in 2021 and has now rolled out three AI-powered products: Amplifi optimizes cargo loads on each flight by calculating usable capacity based on booked cargo, aircraft type and cargo offer; Cargo Eye, powered by Microsoft ’s IoT Edge solutions and Speedcargo algorithms, captures cargo dimensions and volume data, and allows Etihad Cargo to digitize cargo as it enters the carrier’s ground handling stations; and Assemble facilitates the digital planning and buildup of ULDs. “Creating digital audit trails of how cargo is received and handled will benefit Etihad Cargo’s customers by providing a more seamless end-to-end experience and improving the productivity and efficiency of planners and ground-handling partners, with the ability to handle multiple flights simultaneously,” Drew said.

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