Etihad Cargo is enhancing its air shipment visibility using a combined solution from Descartes and Jettainer.

The cargo carrier has further automated its air cargo processes using Descartes’ next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) Bluetooth® Low Energy solution integrated and Jettainer’s unit load device (ULD) management services — expanding on Etihad Cargo’s ability to improve ground processes at cargo and ULD handling and to gain data-driven insights into the transport and ambient conditions of air cargo in transit.

“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,” said Thomas Schürmann, head of cargo Operations & Delivery at Etihad Cargo, adding that the addition of Descartes’ next-generation IoT devices to its ULD fleet provides “true operational value” for the carrier

“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,” he added.

Ram Krishnaswamy, general manager Middle East, Africa, & Indian Subcontinent at Jettainer, said the combination of its ULD management solution with Descartes’ next-generation IoT devices can be a powerful boost to Jettainer’s service.

“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,” Krishnaswamy added.

The Jettainer executive further said that the potential benefits are not limited to ULD processing — but also a value in streamlining export, transit and import cargo processes and will explore this further with our customers and partners.

Descartes’ next-generation IoT Bluetooth® Low Energy ULD tracking uses Bluetooth® tags affixed to containers or pallets, mobile applications and mesh networks to automate end-to-end tracking of assets.

Bluetooth® tags affixed to ULDs prior to loading enable easy access to real-time location information, shipment-level condition data, such as temperature, light, humidity and movement, and chain of custody detail that indicates whose custody assets are in at any given time.

Tags can also be added to any ground service equipment, like dollies, for full control over a carrier’s equipment.

“We’re pleased to help Etihad Cargo optimize 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.”