The collaboration involves experts from CHAMP Cargosystems, Fraport, KLM Cargo, Kuehne+Nagel and Swissport who will work to drive digital, resource-saving concepts to make airfreight processes more efficient and resilient.
The OpenCargoLab was announced at the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong and will support Airbus’ forecast that the global freight market will grow 50% by 2042.
Asia Pacific is expected to grow most rapidly due to economic growth with Airbus predicting demand for around 400 widebody freighters over the next 20 years.
Globally, Airbus predicts demand for almost 1,500 freighters in the above 40 tonnes segment.
As part of the OpenCargoLab initiative, Airbus will evaluate digital solutions such as augmented reality and robotics to optimise data connectivity.
Marvin Ehrmann, Head of OpenCargoLab, says, “With the OpenCargoLab, we benefit from a holistic think tank for the dynamically growing cargo market and thus an agile environment for developing innovations connecting the airfreight market of today and tomorrow.”
The OpenCargoLab will also contribute to further design and application development of the A350F, which has received 50 firm orders since its launch two and a half years ago.
To test findings developed at the OpenCargoLab, a test field for validating new technology concepts is established at Airbus’ cargo competence centre in Bremen, Germany.