Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, will deploy Cind’s ContourSpect 3D modelling software at selected stations across its Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia (EMEAA) network following a successful Proof of Concept (POC) in its cargo terminal at Copenhagen Airport.
WFS is Cind’s launch partner for ContourSpect in the cargo handling industry. The software has been developed to build ULD’s more efficiently and to optimise cargo capacity, which, in turn, presents opportunities to reduce climate impact.
ContourSpect creates a 3D model of cargo loaded on an air cargo pallet and compares this in real-time with the selected virtual contour. The tool is designed to eliminate the need for manual measurements and time-consuming quality control by immediately indicating if the ULD build-up is out of contour. This increases operational productivity and ensures all ULD’s leaving the warehouse are 100% ‘fit to fly’.
ContourSpect uses 3D cameras positioned around the ULD build-up area to monitor the contour frame. Fixed screens provide the cargo operator with real-time updates, providing one fixed picture from each corner and one rotating contour. A green frame confirms no cargo is outside of the contour, while a red frame alerts the operator to cargo placed outside of the contour, which could result in an overbuilt ULD being sent to a flight.
Jimi Daniel Hansen, Vice President Operational Excellence EMEAA at WFS, said: “Our POC for ContourSpect in Copenhagen involved hundreds of ULD’s, and the results were impressive on many levels. Building ULD’s which are 100% ‘ready to fly’ is an essential part of WFS’ and SATS’ commitment to aviation safety and security. This modelling software automates this process, reduces the contour check cycle time, and captures data. From a customer perspective, it also presents additional revenue benefits by ensuring optimal use of available cargo capacity, supported by full reporting of the utilisation rate and picture documentation.”
Following the successful trial in Copenhagen, WFS is now planning the next stations in EMEAA which will implement the Cind system.
The software was created by Cind’s research and product development team in Jönköping, Sweden, as part of the company’s focus to advance supply chain logistics and to help companies gain efficiency. Using 3D image processing for freight dimensioning, ContourSpect provides an automated and cost-efficient solution which optimises labour resources, supports sustainability by reducing duplication in the ULD build process, and provides valuable analytics.
“Since the launch of ContourSpect in early 2023, we have witnessed considerable interest from the entire air cargo industry. I am delighted that WFS, as the first air cargo handler, has partnered with Cind to integrate the service into its network of stations. WFS proves to be the ideal partner to extend our solutions, and it is inspiring to observe their strong commitment to enhancing industry safety and efficiency. We look forward to collaborating closely with WFS in upholding and enhancing their outstanding services in the years ahead,” added Cind’s CEO, Marcus Schelin.
Atlas Air has promoted Richard Broekman to executive vice president, chief commercial officer and head of sustainability.
In his new role, Broekman will be responsible for the development and execution of Atlas Air’s global commercial strategies, and the management of the corporate sales strategy for ACMI, CMI and charter services.
Additionally, Broekman will also assume an expanded role as head of sustainability to drive the company’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In this capacity, he will lead development of Atlas’ decarburization strategies, which include partnering with its customers to implement sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and carbon offsetting initiatives.
Broekman succeeded Michael Steen, who became president and chief executive of Atlas Air Worldwide on June 15.
Since joining Atlas in 2004 as a flight and revenue analyst, Broekman has served in roles with increasing responsibility.
He joined the commercial team in 2008 and has served as senior director of commercial development and revenue management, and vice president, commercial development and charter sales.
In 2018, he was named senior vice president, global sales and commercial development.
“Richard brings a strong personal commitment to our company’s mission to be our customers’ first choice and most valued partner,” said Steen. “He is well-respected across the air cargo industry and brings extensive expertise across many facets of the business.
“Under his strong leadership, we look forward to continuing to serve our blue-chip roster of customers with the world class performance that defines Atlas.”
“I am very proud of the role we serve in the global supply chain, and am excited for the opportunity to build on our position as one of the world’s largest freighter operators,” said Broekman.
“It is a great honor to lead this team as we partner with our customers to help them achieve their business goals and deliver on our shared commitments to sustainability and corporate citizenship.”
Conversions will account for over 60% of new freighters over the next 20 years, according to the latest data from Airbus.
In its latest Global Market Forecast (GMF), the airframer predicted there will be global demand for 2,510 freighter aircraft during the period 2023-2042.
920 of these will be newbuild and 1,590 will be conversions.
600 of the total freighter aircraft will be large widebody (> 80 t) aircraft, 890 will be mid-size widebody (40 t – 80 t) aircraft, and 1,020 will be single aisle (10 t-40 t) aircraft.
This will see the world freighter fleet in service reach 3,230 aircraft by 2042.
In its GMF, Airbus predicted demand for 40,850 new passenger & freighter aircraft during the period 2023-2042.
This is 1,360 more than in the 2022 GMF.
The Middle East is due to receive the most passenger and freighter aircraft, followed by Africa, and Europe & CIS.
Growth of express air cargo will exceed general air cargo, said Airbus. In 2019, the express sector comprised 17% of the total air cargo market, while in 2042 it will comprise 25% of the market.
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