Top 10 Air Cargo Next tech stories from 2023

New technology is being implemented throughout the supply chain. Tech such as AI and Internet of Things improved cargo community systems, digital booking, drone operations and market predictions in 2023. Throughout the year, Air Cargo Next published features, news stories and roundups focused on technology advancements. We have selected 10 of our top technology stories to provide a view of the changing landscape in the air cargo industry in 2023. Read on for the year’s major tech stories: 1. AI in airfreight: It’s already in the name [caption id="attachment_57137837" align="alignright" width="300"] (Courtesy/CanStock/itchaznong)[/caption] The air cargo industry is increasingly looking to AI for digital booking and pricing optimization, flight information based on real-time data, operating efficiencies and more. Still, industry members are torn on the issue of AI, with larger companies jumping on the bandwagon and smaller companies employing a wait-and-see approach. 2. FedEx developing app that can ‘auto-crew’ its aircraft Air Cargo Next reported from a Wings Club event in New York City that FedEx is working on technology that will allow it to “auto-crew” its aircraft. Instead of relying on personnel to call pilots regarding empty pilot seats, FedEx is building a software platform that will push out a notification to nearby and eligible pilots. The system has not yet launched. 3. World’s first amphibious cargo drone emerges in Spain Spain-based Singular Aircraft developed the world’s first amphibious drone, ideal for operations in remote areas. In cargo configuration, the FlyOx drone can haul up to 1,580 kilograms of cargo and travel up to 1,940 nautical miles. 4. Digitalization: The writing is on the wall About 60% of air cargo carriers have adopted digital booking technology, which offers a quicker, more efficient booking process with real-time data. The push to go digital hit full force during the pandemic and AI has become a focal point of forward-looking digitalization discussions. 5. Setting the standard: Landing at 100% compliance on electronic air waybills The air cargo industry continues its drive to implement electronic air waybills across the board, but the process has been slow and arduous. Electronic air waybill benefits include sustainability, efficiency, safety and smoother overall operation. Companies are looking for new ways to incentivize their use and simplify implementation. 6. IoT, AI benefit real-time pharma tracking Air Cargo Next reported from the LogiPharma 2023 conference in Boston that the pharmaceuticals supply chain is investing more heavily in Internet of Things (IoT) and AI to provide real-time data, which is especially useful for tracking shipments, ensuring they stay at required temperatures and mitigating risks. 7. Skydio launches drone with AI-powered autonomy [caption id="attachment_57139617" align="alignright" width="300"] (Courtesy/Skydio)[/caption] San Mateo, Calif.-based drone designer and creator Skydio launched its newest drone, the X10, in September with a livestreamed demonstration of its AI-powered autonomy. Skydio drones use AI to recognize objects or people, then autonomously follow and film them. 8. Fraunhofer IML’s evoBOT shortens turnaround Dortmund, Germany-based research institute Fraunhofer IML demonstrated its cargo-handling evoBOT at Air Cargo Next ’s Air Cargo Tech Summit 2023. The robot can operate for up to eight hours without being recharged and relies on cameras to see where it is going. 9. Some assembly required: Sypaq markets cardboard drones [caption id="attachment_57139616" align="alignright" width="306"] (Courtesy/Sypaq)[/caption] Not all new technology looks like it comes from a science-fiction movie — but it can still be a game-changer. Australia-based Sypaq Systems produces cardboard drones that can be shipped flat and several at a time to customers for on-site assembly. The drone can carry a 3-kilogram payload, travel 120 kilometers and perform a belly landing. 10. Digital Pulse: Menzies adopts Nallian solution at LAX The top-read Digital Pulse roundup in 2023 featured stories about: Menzies Aviation becoming the first ground handler at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to deploy technology provider Nallian ’s truck visit management solution; Fraport AG , the airport authority overseeing Frankfurt Airport (FRA), awarding technology solutions company ADB Safegate a framework agreement for advanced visual docking guidance systems and expansion of FRA’s apron management system; and Supply chain visibility solutions company Tive upgrading its global real-time multimodal and multileg, end-to-end shipment visibility platform and trackers.

Top 10 Air Cargo Next tech stories from 2023

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