Airbus has today announced the launch of the OpenCargoLab, a collaboration with leading partners from the airline, logistics and handling sectors, with a focus on the entire airfreight ecosystem.
On Wednesday (March 13, 2024), Airbus announced the launch of OpenCargoLab, a collaboration with leading partners from the airline, logistics and handling sectors, which will focus on the entire airfreight ecosystem. The goal of the partnership is to is to drive digital, resource-saving concepts, that will contribute to a more efficient and resilient airfreight process. OpenCargoLab includes team of experts from CHAMP Cargosystems, Fraport, KLM Cargo, Kuehne+Nagel and Swissport. Establishment of the new OpenCargoLab collaboration was announced at the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong, which is being held from March 12-14, 2024.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Airbus OpenCargoLab’s Head, Marvin Ehrmann, said,
“With the OpenCargoLab, we benefit from a holistic think tank for the dynamically growing cargo market and thus an agile environment for developing innovations connecting the airfreight market of today and tomorrow. We are very excited to have established a thought leadership platform where experienced partners can drive the airfreight sector to become even more efficient, sustainable and connected.”
As part of the initiative, Airbus will also evaluate digital solutions, including augmented reality and robotics, to optimize data connectivity, and for example, the transport of dangerous goods. To test the findings developed at the OpenCargoLab, a test field for validating these new technology concepts has been established at Airbus’ Cargo competence site in Bremen. This is where Airbus’ cargo loading and door actuation systems have been developed. A replica of the A350F fuselage with a large cargo door will also be installed at the site’s new Cargo Test Center by the end of 2024.
The OpenCargoLab will also contribute to the Airbus A350F’s further design and application development. After launching just around two-and-a-half years ago, the all-new next-generation A350F freighter has won 50 firm orders from nine customers.
Source: Airbus