Keeping on top of ULDs

Descartes Systems Group has announced that ground handler dnata is deploying Descartes Core Bluetooth Low Energy readers across its global cargo operations to support the tracking of international mail, parcel and cargo shipments.

“We rely on best-in-class facilities and state-of-the-art cargo handling technologies to provide over 150 airlines with premium services for approximately 3m tonnes of cargo annually,” commented Guillaume Crozier, Divisional Vice President Operations and Product Development at dnata. “The innovative Descartes solution is expected to help us further improve service efficiency as we move customers’ cargo smoothly from one destination to another, tracking its progress in real-time the entire way.”

Descartes Core BLE readers capture the movement of ULDs that have either Descartes or third-party BLE tags attached. The readers are part of the Descartes Core BLE Network and a Descartes Global Logistics Network service. Shipments can be tracked, whether in the air or on the ground, via the Descartes Core ULD Tracking solution to help air carriers and their partners automate freight tracking and improve asset management by providing real-time visibility of air shipments bundled into a single ULD container or pallet. In addition to location, other sensor-based information such as precise temperature, movement and humidity can be monitored. This data, combined with the forecasting of asset location requirements, helps carriers reduce ULD fleet losses, better match capacity with ULD inventory, and reduce the costs associated with misplaced equipment or the requirement to lease additional ULDs.

Circumventing COVID-19

Because of the growing demand for international pharmaceutical transportation to Latin America in the midst of the current crisis, LATAM Cargo has extended its PHARMA coverage. This care option, which is CEIV Pharma certified, is part of the company’s product portfolio and offers specialised transportation for these sensitive and delicate shipments.

latam cargo 2020The pandemic which is currently affecting Latin America has triggered closed-border policies and passenger flight restrictions worldwide. This in turn has led the Latin American carrier to adopting various measures to modify its itinerary and strengthen its operation in order to mitigate the effects on its clients. The reactions have actually allowed LATAM Cargo to maintain a constant service throughout the crisis period.

One of the most important modifications has been that of the expansion of PHARMA’s network in order to satisfy its clients’ growing interest in transporting products from Europe to more Latin American markets. During the last three months, the company has implemented four transit stations to expand coverage, namely Miami, Santiago and Buenos Aires, as well as a second entry point in Sao Paulo

Reaching for the sky

Edmonton International airport recently made a huge investment that will create the largest airport-based solar farm in the world.

Airport City Solar is set to dramatically transform the west side of the airport site, create jobs and bring in a potential new power source for airport operations and the Edmonton Metro Region.  GREEN NEWS Edmonton 2020

An agreement with Europe-based Alpin Sun will see the company develop a 627 acre, 120 megawatt solar farm. All available information shows this will be largest development of its kind at an airport anywhere. The new solar farm reflects the airport’s ongoing commitment to economic development and diversification, along with its core value of being dedicated to sustainability.

Airport City Solar is expected to begin construction in early 2022 and be operational by the end of that year. The project will bring in an estimated US$169m in foreign direct investment to the Edmonton Metro Region. Power generated by Airport City Solar will feed into Fortis Alberta and airport distribution systems.