DAILY NEWS


TURNING DATA INTO DECISION-MAKING TOOLS


T


he air cargo industry is accelerating its shift from process automation to data-driven decision-making as operators seek to counter rising costs, capacity constraints and complex regulatory requirements. From integrated screening systems and drone-based inventory checks to predictive maintenance powered by artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation is emerging


as a key driver of operational efficiency and competitiveness.


Growing demand for real-time visibility The push toward digital transformation has been under way for several years but has gained momentum as global trade becomes more fragmented and unpredictable. Forwarders and shippers now expect real-time visibility across multimodal supply chains, forcing airports and ground handlers to modernise systems that were originally designed for manual, paper-based workflows. Regulatory agencies are also pushing the pace. The International Civil Aviation


Organization (ICAO) and IATA have called for greater use of electronic data interchange to strengthen compliance, particularly around cargo security and customs clearance. This has encouraged many operators to invest in interoperable platforms linking airlines, handlers and authorities via shared digital gateways and APIs. At Dubai International Airport, dnata has introduced a centralised screening system


fully integrated with its Cargo Management System (CMS). According to Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s Chief Cargo Officer, the project “has significantly improved throughput by reducing screening times, optimising resource use, and minimising unnecessary cargo movement.”


Automation and data integration Automation within warehouses and on ramps is the next area of focus. Ground handling agents are testing autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to reduce reliance on forklifts, while automated dimensioning and load optimisation tools are being deployed to improve the accuracy of shipment data. “These technologies allow us to capture precise shipment


data, optimise ULD space, and make data-driven decisions that enhance performance,” Crozier said. The company is also evaluating a market intelligence system designed to provide real-time insights into airline operations and customer demand. Many of these efforts depend on integrating data


flows across different parts of the organisation. dnata’s “OneCargo” digital architecture consolidates operational, financial and customer information into a single environment. “AI thrives on data,” Crozier noted. “Our digital transformation is focused on turning that data into actionable forecasting,


intelligence that supports predictive maintenance


and yield optimisation.” Similar initiatives are under way at other major cargo hubs


www.aircargoweek.com


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