In recent years air cargo has become one of the leading ways of transportation due to the high demand and the need to meet different customer needs. To be an effective market leader in your services, you need to be flexible, responsive to the current market demand and needs of clients. Airlines are ever facing increased pressure to be efficient and profitable. With that in mind, airlines have turned to reduce the turn time, which is the time that is required to unload a plane after landing and being prepared for loading for the next departure.
Cargo Loading and Unloading
Air cargo unloading and unloading is a specialised mode of handling goods which has its uniqueness and comes with its form of consequences. From the moment you are set to load items from a warehouse to the moment you are to offload the items on board requires you to have technical and specialised expertise to optimise your performance. Safety is a major factor while loading an aircraft.
In the past, there have been incidents that have happened due to the misloading of an aircraft. To mention just but a few incidences, An ATR42 freighter departing from Madang, Papua New Guinea had to abort its take-off on 19 October 2013 after the pilots realised that the plane could not rotate. After investigations, it was discovered that the cause of the problem was found to be that, the loading of the aircraft was not done as per the required instructions and standards of the said aircraft.
Another similar incidence occurred on 23 July 2015 when an ATR72-600 flight was found to be unduly tail heavy during its course of flying. The documentation that had been given to the crew indicated that all the luggage had been loaded at the forward hold while in reality, the luggage was at the aft hold.
As a leading cargo carrier, you will consider the freight of different types of goods from perishable foods, small to large packages, beverages of different packaging, domestic and industrial machines, among others. It is imperative to consider all safety measures while loading and offloading cargo from an aircraft. This ensures that goods arrive in good condition to their respective customers. You must ensure all safety standards, loading instructions and measures are done as per the required specifications.
Cargo Handling Systems
One of the highest demands of customers is considering the speed of loading and offloading of freight efficiently. As you get to choose the mode of system to consider the safety and efficiency that you will be providing for your target market. There has been a trend according to statistics given IATA that North America had significant growth of air freight of 6.9% in 2018 in comparison to 2017, this was also seen in Latin America at 5.9%. Based on the previous trends and need for profitability, the best practice a firm can have is, being efficient, professional staff and having up to date systems that give optimal performance.
Interior Cargo System
In consideration to the type of cargo plane that you will be loading, you will find that you may fit different systems such as ball transfer units, power-driven units, turntables, door assemblies and roll out stops. Reliable cargo systems should have the capability to be efficient. In the event of a breakdown, you should be able to troubleshoot while still in operation and without having to take the machines out of the site.
Pneumatic Roller Bed
This type of system is permanently fitted on the floor of a cargo plane which is dedicated for long term use. You will also find that there are other types of roller beds that are temporary and just used for loading and unloading of cargo from a plane. Depending on the client needs, you should consider offering the best option that you have for their needs.
Automatic Loaders
You may consider this option for fast and efficient loading and offload. The system is well fit with ease of operation and the ability to operate with fast speed. The conventional conveyor is slower, and with the rising demand in airports, you require a system that is efficient in handling your loading and offloading processes. The features of the system should be in a way that you can control the speed at which you load the cargo and also be safe for use. The automatic loaders will come in different styles, considering the height and size of the aircraft that you consider loading.
Summary
In conclusion, as a professional supplier and installer, you will consider offering your freight customers a system that will offer them the best practice and standards based on their requirements. If the freighter deals with perishable goods, then you need to consider having the right equipment and trained staff to handle the goods quickly and carefully. All you desire to have is the satisfaction of your client needs, delivering value for their money and having a professional customer support layout.
