Airbus Partners with Industry Leaders to Drive Airfreight Innovation

Airbus has announced a new partnership with industry experts from CHAMP Cargosystems, Fraport, KLM Cargo, Kuehne+Nagel, and Swissport in a technology initiative called OpenCargoLab. The goal of this initiative is to drive digital, resource-saving concepts that will make airfreight processes more efficient and resilient.

At the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong on 13 March, Airbus revealed that the global freight market is expected to grow by 50% by 2042, with the Asia-Pacific market showing particular promise. The company anticipates a demand for around 400 widebody freighters in the region over the next 20 years, representing 25% of the global demand for cargo aircraft weighing above 40 tonnes.

OpenCargoLab will also play a role in the design and development of the A350F. Airbus has already received 50 firm orders for this next-generation freighter from nine customers and aims to increase its market share in the segment. The initiative will focus on evaluating digital solutions like augmented reality and improving data connectivity, especially for the transport of dangerous goods.

A test center will be established at Airbus’ Cargo Competence site in Bremen, Germany to validate new concepts related to loading systems and cargo door actuation systems. This center will feature a replica of the A350F fuselage with a large cargo door by the end of 2024.

Marvin Ehrmann, Head of OpenCargoLab, described the initiative as a “holistic think tank” for the growing cargo market, providing an agile environment for developing innovations that connect the current and future airfreight markets. He expressed excitement about the collaboration with experienced partners to make the airfreight sector more efficient, sustainable, and connected.

Swissport’s Global Cargo Chair, Dirk Goovaerts, highlighted the company’s commitment to driving industry innovation through its involvement in OpenCargoLab. Swissport aims to improve data collection and analysis during cargo handling to enhance overall efficiency. The initiative will also support the development of technology for the cargo holds of the new Airbus A350F cargo aircraft in line with Airbus’ vision of a “smart freighter.”