Siemens to equip air cargo facility at Heathrow

International Airlines Group (IAG) has asked sorting technology provider Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics (SPPAL) to equip an air cargo centre at London Heathrow with the latest in handling systems.
The facility will be used by IAG subsidiary British Airways.
Siemens is to equip the terminal with what it describes as “an intelligent system layout and innovative material handling systems”.
A particular highlight, it says, will be a ‘fast-track facility’ to process particularly urgent air cargo in only 45 minutes.
Handling systems will include four elevating transfer vehicles (ETVs) and four transfer vehicles (TVs). The facility will also feature three truck docks for loading and unloading, and four conveyor lines for build-up and breakdown.
With an area of just 11,300 square metres but at least 110 positions for unit load devices (ULDs), the terminal with have an annual cargo throughput handling capacity of 135,000 tons.
Also available will be 54 special cold storage and deep-freeze rooms for perishable goods.
“With our many years of experience and our in-depth knowledge of air cargo logistics, we will be able to help IAG strengthen their competitive position,” remarked Michael Reichle, SPPAL CEO.
Sarah Coulson, head of strategy and business development at IAG Cargo, added: “Premium solutions such as the ability to process air cargo at short notice will help us to successfully keep ahead of the competition.”
Siemens’ customers include five of the world’s top ten air cargo airports, which together handle around 14 million tons of freight a year.
On 20 February, SPPAL officially opened its new manufacturing facility in Constance, Germany.