Cathay Pacific successfully Concludes Trials for Next-generation Track and Trace

Cathay Pacific has undertaken a proof of technology trial of Bluetooth low-energy (BLE) beacons in the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal, the airline's cargo hub in Hong Kong.

The trial, in harness with Unilode Aviation Solutions and OnAsset Intelligence, focused on the practicality of using these wireless devices in the multi-storey, concrete surroundings of the cargo terminal. Results have proven successful and have enabled the airline to prepare for a proof of concept with actual shipments.

Next-generation track and trace is a part of Cathay Pacific's digital strategy, to help answer the industry's need for greater transparency along the air freight journey. The ambition is to provide customers with real-time tracking of their cargo shipments with multi-dimensional readings. The use of BLE means data can be captured automatically.

Cathay Pacific General Manager Cargo Service Delivery Frosti Lau said: "It's important to explore technologies that work towards the air freight industry's aim of offering both customers and operators transparency and data accuracy throughout the entire supply chain."

Unilode Chief Executive Officer Benoît Dumont said: "Our recent field trial with Cathay Pacific proves that our approach to digitalisation, including benefit realisation and technology choices, is on the right track to provide the industry with sustainable and compliant unit load device (ULD) tracking data and services. Unilode is committed to explore other digital initiatives for Cathay Pacific within 2018."

Read more about how technology is changing the supply chain in these stories at Cargo Clan, Cathay Pacific Cargo's dedicated monthly newsletter: http://cargoclan.cathaypacificcargo.com/tag/new-technology/

About Cathay Pacific

The Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Group offers scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 200 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe and Africa, using a fleet of close to 200 aircraft. Cathay Pacific is one of the world's biggest international air cargo carriers and, in addition to operating a dedicated freighter fleet to 46 destinations, manages cargo capacity on passenger flights operated by both Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon. The airline's cargo business comprises a fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighters, including 14 747-8 freighters and six 747-400ERFs (Extended Range Freighter).
For more information visit www.cathaypacific.com

About Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal

The HK$5.9 billion Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is one of the biggest and most sophisticated terminals in the world, providing air cargo handling capacity and facilities that help further reinforce Hong Kong's position as the world's premier international airfreight hub. The terminal sets new standards in operational efficiency, environmental design and service level and is designed for an annual air cargo throughput capacity of 2.6 million tones. It is a common-use facility open to all airline customers.
For more information visit www.cathaypacificcargo.com

About Unilode

Unilode Aviation Solutions owns and manages the world's largest outsourced fleet of approximately 120,000 unit load devices (ULDs), for use in the aviation industry, and owns the largest global network for the maintenance and repair of ULDs and galley carts. Unilode focuses on the outsourced management and associated services for aviation containers, pallets and inflight food service equipment, and serves over 90 airlines through a network of more than 480 airports, 18 regional offices and 50 certified repair stations, supported by more than 600 colleagues. The Company has been rebranded from CHEP Aerospace Solutions to Unilode following its acquisition in November 2016 by EQT Infrastructure, part of the leading alternative investments firm EQT with approximately EUR 35 billion in raised capital and portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 19 billion and approximately 110,000 employees.
For more information visit www.unilode.com

About OnAsset

OnAsset Intelligence is the global leader in real time asset tracking services. The company manufactures wireless devices that monitor all modes of transport including land, sea and air. Its flagship product, SENTRY FlightSafe®, is approved by commercial and cargo operators across the globe. OnAsset currently holds 17 awarded patents for its technology.
For more information visit www.onasset.com