Airbus lab to test new concepts in cargo

Airbus is to go into partnership with experts from CHAMP Cargosystems, Fraport, KLM Cargo, Kuehne+Nagel and Swissport in a new tech initiative, the plane-maker announced at IATA World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong on 13 March.

OpenCargoLab aims “to drive digital, resource-saving concepts, contributing to more resilient and efficient airfreight processes”, it said.

Airbus expects the global freight market to grow by 50% by 2042 and the Asia-Pacific market in particular remains highly promising for airfreight. The company anticipates that demand in the region at around 400 widebody freighters, including new builds and conversions, over the next 20 years – 25% of total global demand of 1,490 cargo aircraft in the above-40 tonne segment.

OpenCargoLab will also contribute to the A350F’s design and development. The order book for the next-generation freighter, unveiled 2½ years ago, stands at 50 firm orders from nine customers and Airbus expects to expand its market share in the segment.

OpenCargoLab will evaluate digital solutions such as augmented reality and to optimise data connectivity in general and in particular, transport of dangerous goods.

A test centre for validating new concepts is being set up at Airbus’ Cargo Competence site in Bremen, Germany, such as loading systems or cargo door actuation systems and will include a replica of the A350F fuselage with a large cargo door by the end of 2024.

Head of the new venture Marvin Ehrmann described OpenCargoLab as: “A holistic think tank for the dynamically growing cargo market” and: “An agile environment for developing innovations connecting the airfreight market of today and tomorrow”.

He added: “We are very excited to have established a thought leadership platform where experienced partners can drive the airfreight sector to become even more efficient, sustainable and connected.”

Swissport global cargo chair, Dirk Goovaerts, said: “Being a key member of this initiative underscores our dedication to driving advances in the sector, positioning Swissport at the forefront of industry innovation.”

He said Swissport would support the OpenCargoLab group in understanding how to best collect and analyse data during the physical handling of cargo and improve the efficiency of the overall process.

Goovaerts added that the initiative would support development of technology for the cargo holds of the new Airbus A350F cargo aircraft, aligning with Airbus’ vision of a “smart freighter.”