Air New Zealand is rolling out Bluetooth tracking technology which will allow it to track and analyze the movement of cargo shipments and equipment.

According to the carrier, more than 5,000 Bluetooth tags are being installed on its cargo containers, pallets and ULDs, and 29 airports are being equipped with 100 Bluetooth readers. When a tagged item passes the reader, an online application will automatically be updated to provide real-time information.

“This technology has been introduced as a result of direct feedback from our cargo and airport staff who saw an opportunity to enhance our handling processes,” said Rick Nelson, general manger of cargo at Air New Zealand. “These Bluetooth tags and readers will not only allow us to speed up cargo handling but also improve our accuracy and inventory management and help to locate any missing items.”

The airline is working with Core Transport Technologies Inc. on the technology, which has been designed and manufactured in New Zealand.

“We believe this to be the first time this type of technology has been deployed at this large scale anywhere in the world,” said Ian Craig, managing director of Core Transport Technologies Inc. “It’s great to see our technology benefitting Air New Zealand and its many cargo customers and we look forward to continuing to work with the airline to further drive efficiencies.”

Nelson added that the technology could be used not just internally but also by the carrier’s customers.

“We see significant potential for this technology – it could be rolled out at airports to monitor ground service equipment, or used to manage mail shipments and eventually we would like to see it become customer facing so our cargo customers can more easily track their shipments,” he said.

Air New Zealand exports a total of 42,000 tonnes of goods from New Zealand every year.