The semi-automated facility will serve as IAG Cargo’s new home for handling premium loose shipments, doubling capacity with the help of bespoke IT systems and systems integration to regulate freight movements and allocations inside the facility.
To handle cargo quicker and more efficiently, 11 new landside doors make it easier for drivers to collect or drop off cargo.
The temperature-controlled building includes a state-of-the-art Constant Climate Quality Centre for pharmaceuticals with 29 dedicated cool cells and temperature facilities covering 2-8C, 15-25C and -20C.
The 15-25C chamber includes 2 dedicated break and build workstations.
Four large transfer vehicles have been introduced, serving 20 new workstations.
They pass through rapid-rise doors allowing cargo to be moved autonomously through the facility and into storage in advance of collection and delivery to the aircraft and a similar process works in reverse for imports.
The process uses ground-breaking technology as the system is fully integrated with IAG Cargo’s existing Warehouse Management System.
David Shepherd, CEO of IAG Cargo, says, “The opening of New Premia is a pivotal milestone for IAG Cargo - the benefits it will bring both to our customers and our operational teams is huge. We strive to provide the best service for our customers and the investment into our IT systems will improve our operational performance, optimising the movement of cargo to support global trade.”
In preparation for the opening, staff received targeted training, which continues as normal operations take place at the facility.
New roles have been created such as 6 new Planning Managers who work closely with the Operations Duty Manager and are fundamental in delivering day-to-day operations.