Bluetooth Low Energy helps Etihad Cargo increase the visibility of its shipments
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics division of UAE flag-carrier Etihad Airways, has chosen to use the Bluetooth Low Energy container monitoring system developed by logistics software system specialist Descartes to provide better visibility into the conditions of air cargo during the shipping process and insight into ULD handling procedures.
With the help of Jettainer’s unit load device (ULD) management services integrated with Descartes’ Internet of Things (IoT)-based Bluetooth Low Energy solution, Etihad Cargo should be able to identify areas where ground and ULD handling procedures could be improved while also learning more about the environmental factors affecting airfreight in transit.
To automate the end-to-end tracking of these assets, Bluetooth tags are fixed to containers or pallets. Mesh networks and smartphone applications are also used.
These tags, which are attached to ULDs before they are loaded into an airplane, make it simple to acquire real-time location data and details about the condition of the cargo within, providing information on factors like temperature, light, humidity, and movement.
Additionally, they provide “chain of custody” information, which shows who is currently in charge of the assets.
on make a freight carrier’s handling equipment more visible, tags can be affixed on any GSE, such as dollies.
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,” declared Thomas Schürmann, head of cargo operations & delivery at the Abu Dhabi-headquartered cargo carrier.
“The addition of Descartes’ next-generation IoT 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,” Schürmann added.
“We’re pleased to help Etihad Cargo optimise the use of its ULD fleet with richer visibility at both the asset and shipment level,” said Scott Sangster, general manager, logistics service providers at Descartes.
“ULDs are the backbone of the air cargo supply chain and, with coverage in over 1,300 reader locations and 200 airports worldwide, Descartes’ innovations in IoT-based tracking and advanced network capabilities are helping airlines access the status of their ULDs anytime, anywhere – through any internet-enabled device.”
Descartes, a company with its headquarters in Ontario, Canada, specializes in offering modular, on-demand software-as-a-service solutions aimed at enhancing the sustainability, productivity, and security of logistics-intensive enterprises.
General Manager for the Middle East, Africa, and Indian Subcontinent at Jettainer Ram Krishnaswamy noted: “As part of our premium package, ULD Select, the combination of our advanced ULD management solution with Descartes’ next-generation IoT devices can be a major boost to our service.
