In 2021, Etihad Cargo signed a proof-of-concept agreement with Speedcargo to test its AI solutions and following successful trials, the airline is rolling out Amplifi, Cargo Eye and Assemble to boost efficiency, digitise and standardise cargo handling.
Amplifi is being used to optimise cargo loads by dynamically calculating free and usable capacity based on booked cargo, aircraft type and cargo offer.
Utilising system-generated ULD level load plans, Etihad Cargo can maximise the cargo carried on flights and significantly reduce the risk of overbookings.
Cargo Eye is a system for ground handling stations to share information in real time for load planning, build-up planning and forward operations.
Assemble is being deployed across ground handling stations for digital planning and build-up of ULDs using the load plans generated by Amplifi.
Martin Drew, Senior Vice President – Global Sales and Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group, says, “Etihad Cargo, with the launch of these AI solutions, is creating an information-rich network that connects airline operations and ground handling for better planning and decision-making. Creating digital audit trails of how cargo is received and handled will benefit Etihad Cargo's customers by providing a more seamless end-to-end experience and improving the productivity and efficiency of planners and ground handling partners, with the ability to handle multiple flights simultaneously.”
Trials of the AI-powered solutions were carried out in Singapore and Etihad Cargo has launched a pilot programme in Frankfurt.
The airline is collaborating with ground handling partners across its network with the view of rolling out the technology to more stations in the coming months.