Etihad Cargo has teamed up with Descartes Systems Group to enhance the visibility of its air shipments by using Bluetooth technology. The Abu Dhabi-based cargo carrier will install Descartes' next-generation Bluetooth tracking devices in its containers, also known as Unit Load Devices (ULDs), to improve tracking.
This allows Etihad Cargo to improve its ground processes and gain data-driven insights into the condition of its air cargo in transit. The Bluetooth technology provided by Descartes offers the carrier easy access to real-time location information and the conditions in which the cargo is being transported, such as temperature, light, humidity, and movement. The tags can also be added to ground machinery, completely automating the process of end-to-end cargo tracking.
Photo: Oliver Holzbauer via Wikimedia Commons
Descartes prides itself on offering on-demand software solutions to increase productivity, security, and sustainability. The agreement with Etihad Cargo also involves the global logistics company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Cargo, Jettainer, responsible for processing the ULDs. Worldwide, there are more than 100,000 Jettainer ULDs currently in use in over 500 locations.
Working together for improved efficiency
Etihad Cargo's Head of Cargo Operations & Delivery, Thomas Schürmann, celebrated the deal and what it meant for the carrier and its customers, saying,
“At Etihad Cargo, we’re continuing to invest in technology and innovation to make air cargo handling more efficient, smarter, and faster, and this includes the usage and management of our ULD fleet. The addition of Descartes’ next-generation devices to our ULD fleet provides true operational value for us. Etihad Cargo expects to reduce the number of lost ULDs – those that lose their trail somewhere at the airport, at the ground handling agent, or the forwarder – by being able to tell exactly where they were last seen. We furthermore expect to simplify ground processes, for example, by reducing the time and effort spent on stock take.”
Photo: Lukas Wunderlich | Shutterstock
Jettainer also recognized the benefits of the partnership, with its General Manager Middle East, Africa, & Indian Subcontinent, Ram Krishnaswamy, adding,
"The technology can provide our valued customers like Etihad Cargo insights into the conditions of their freight, give access to detailed location information, facilitate ULD processing on the ground, and thus further improve asset utilization. Jettainer embraces innovation and digitalization… 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."
Further expansion on the horizon for Etihad Cargo
Etihad Cargo is the cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), it provides cargo links across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, and Australasia. Etihad Cargo recently expanded its reach in India and China as both countries see a marked post-pandemic rebound.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
Etihad Cargo boasts a fleet of dedicated cargo aircraft and ample cargo capacity on Etihad Airways' passenger fleet. Data from ch-aviation.com shows that Etihad's cargo division directly operates five Boeing 777F aircraft. This is set to grow, as last summer, Etihad Cargo also placed an order for seven Airbus A350Fs.
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Source: ch-aviation.com
