MAJOR PROJECT

A STUDY ON CARGO HANDLING AT BIAL

A report submitted on the fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the
degree of:
BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES
AVIATION MANAGEMENT

Submitted by
Aditi. N. Rao
Registration Number: 18BMSR0297
Under the guidance of:
Mohammed Shuaeb Mujawar (Assistant Professor)

#44/4, District Fund Road,

Jayanagar- 9th Block, Bangalore
1
 Date: 21/05/21

Project Completion Letter

This is to certify that the mini project titled "A STUDY CARGO HANDLING
AT BIAL” is a work of Aditi. N. Rao bearing University Register Number 18BMSR0297
and is being submitted in partial fulfilment for the award of the Bachelor of Management
Studies in Aviation Management of Jain University. The report has not been submitted
earlier either to this University Institution for the fulfilment of the requirement of a
course of study. Aditi. N. Rao is guided by Mr. Mohammed Shuaeb Mujawar who is the
Faculty Guide as per the regulations of Jain University.

Signature of Faculty Guide Signature of HOD Signature of Principal

2
 DECLARATION BY THE STUDENT

I hereby declare that mini project report titled "A STUDY ON CARGO
HANDLING AT BIAL”. Result of the project work carried out by me under the
guidance of Mr. Mohammed Shuaeb Mujawar, in partial fulfilment for the award
of Bachelor of Management Studies in Aviation Management by Jain University I
also declare that “MAJOR PROJECT REPORT” is the outcome of my own efforts
and that it has not been submitted to any other university or institute for the award
of any other degree or diploma or certificate.

PLACE: BANGLORE
NAME: ADITI. N. RAO

3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would hereby like to acknowledge and appreciate the people

who provided support and involvement throughout the process of
completing this project: First, I would like to thank and appreciate our
Mentor, Mr. Mohammed Shuaeb Mujawar, for his supportive and
excellent guidance and also comments during the progress of this
project. Furthermore, I would like to thank my family and friends for
their support and motivation during the progress of this project.

NAME OF THE STUDENT: ADITI. N. RAO

REGISTER NUMBER: 18BMSR0297

4
CONTENTS:
Title Page Number
Introduction 6
History of Aviation
History of Aviation in India 7
BIAL 8- 10
Introduction to Cargo 11
Handling of cargo at 12
airport terminals
Air Cargo Containers 13
Fall into Four Basic
Categories:

Cargo around the world and 14-16

in India

Handling of Cargo at BIAL

Air India SATS 17-19
Menzies Bobba 20-21
Cargo Handling 22-27
procedures at BIAL
Temperature control ULDs 27- 28
Cargo Screening 28-31
Equipment at BIAL
Other equipments used at 31-35
BIAL
Cargo operations in India 35-38
Cargo operations in BIAL 38- 45
Future of cargo operations 46
Cargo during the pandemic 47
References 48

INTRODUCTION:
5
 The term aviation in simple words means the science of developing
and flying airplanes and helicopters. This includes the transportation of people
and cargo from one place to another. Aviation has developed tremendously
over the years and has benefited all of us. Aviation holds a huge factor in
relation with the economy of the country and the world. This field has helped
us connect with the world and the people across the globe have come together,
which validates to have a good relationship between countries and trade routes.
Indian aviation sector contributes more than 72B$ in GDP, holding millions of
jobs in the country. Aviation is divided into General Aviation (aircraft
operation other than a commercial air transport or an aerial work operation),
Civil Aviation (used for personal and business purposes, such as transporting
goods or passengers) and Military Aviation (Military aviation is used to attack
or defend a country through the sky).

History of Aviation:
The history of this enormous industry can be dated on 19
September,1783. The first 'aerostatic' flight in history was a Hot Air Balloon.
These were categorized as ‘Lighter-than-air' aircrafts and used hydrogen
because it is lighter than air. But hydrogen is highly explosive and could be
triggered with just a spark. This idea was modified and the Wright Brothers
and fortunately invented their first powered aircraft [Fig. 1]. It was recognized
as the heavier-than- air flying machine. With limited choices, the Wright
Brothers decided on wood, from a giant spruce, as the material for the main
structure. The Wright brothers developed their flying machine to make longer-
running and more aerodynamic flights. After a series of experiments and
innovations the Wright brothers came up with innovations to the aircraft with
regards to sustainability and profitability. The Wright Brothers have helped in
designing aircrafts during the WW1.

With the first flight being marked as the era of heavier-than-

air flight, propellers were being used to power planes. But the introduction of
Jet Engine made the planes much more efficient and comfortable to fly. When
WW2 ended, passenger transport became faster and comfortable. Jet planes
were immediately introduced.

History of Aviation in India:

6
 In India, the first commercial aviation flight in India took place on 18
February 1911. It was a brief demonstration flight of about 15 minutes from the
United Provinces Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition in Allahabad, across
the Jumna River to Naini, a distance of 9.7 kilometers (6 mi). The aircraft, a
Humber biplane shipped from England specifically for the event, was flown by
French aviator Henri Pequet and carried 6,500 pieces of mail, making it the
first official airmail service.
Indian aviation kicked off in 1932, with the introduction of the first
airline, Tata Air Services. The airline, founded by J.R.D Tata, started as an air
mail carrier flying from Karachi to Mumbai. It carried 155 passengers and 10
tons of mail. Here, Tata flew a Puss Moth.

On 8 June 1948, a Lockheed Constellation L-749A named Malabar

Princess (registered VT-CQP) took off from Bombay bound for London
Heathrow marking the airline's first international flight. Fig. 2 represents the
aircraft used by Air India during 1930’s. On 15 October 1932, J.R.D. Tata flew
a consignment of mail from Karachi to Juhu Airport. His airline later became
Air India.
In March 1953, the Indian Parliament passed the Air
Corporations Act. India's airline industry was nationalized and the eight
domestic airlines operating independently at that time – Deccan Airways,
Airways India, Bharat Airways, Himalayan Aviation, Kalinga Airlines, Indian
National Airways, Air India and Air Services of India – were merged into two
government-owned entities. Indian Airlines focused on domestic routes and Air
India International on international services. Now, India is the world's third-
largest civil aviation market (January 2018). It recorded air traffic of 131
million passengers in 2016, of which 100 million were domestic passengers.
The market is also estimated to have 800 aircraft by 2020.
Air India is India’s national carrier and plays a significant role in
linking India to the rest of the world. The leading players in the sector include
Indigo, Spice jet, Air India, Go Air and Vistara. These airlines are serving more
than 80 cities in India. Also, even running foreign travel routes after the
liberalization of Indian aviation.

7
 About the Bangalore International Airport:
Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR, ICAO: VOBL)
is an international airport serving Bangalore, the capital of the Indian state
of Karnataka, in the southern part of India. Spread over 4,000 acres (1,600 ha),
it is located about 30 kilometers (19 mi) north of the city near the suburb
of Devanahalli.
It is owned and operated by Bengaluru International Airport
Limited (BIAL), a public–private consortium. The airport opened in May 2008
as an alternative to increased congestion at HAL Airport, the original primary
commercial airport serving the city. It is named after Kempe Gowda I, the
founder of Bangalore. Kempegowda International Airport became Karnataka's
first fully solar powered airport developed by CleanMax Solar.
Kempegowda Airport is the third-busiest airport by passenger
traffic in the country, behind the airports in Delhi and Mumbai, and is the 29th
busiest airport in Asia. It handled around 33.30 million passengers in the
calendar year 2018 with 658 aircraft movements a day. The cargo handled by
the airport continues to increase steadily, with the airport handling about
386,849 tonnes (426,428 short tons) of cargo between April 2018 and March
2019.
The airport consists of two runways and a passenger terminal, which
handles both domestic and international operations. The second runway,
constructed by Larsen & Toubro, was commissioned on 6 December 2019. A
second terminal is in the early stages of construction. Also, there is a cargo
village and three cargo terminals. The airport serves as a hub for AirAsia
India, Alliance Air, and IndiGo and is a focus city for Air India and SpiceJet.
The airport is awarded as the best airport in Asia-Pacific in 2020 (25 to 40
million passengers per annum) by Airports Council International.

Facilities provided at BIAL:

Kempegowda International Airport has two runways in use.

 Runway 09L/27R: 4,000 by 45 meters (13,123 ft × 148 ft), CAT

I, ILS equipped.
 Runway 09R/27L: 4,000 by 60 meters (13,120 ft × 200 ft), CAT
III, ILS equipped.
Four years after it was laid, the runway was entirely resurfaced
because of a serious decline in quality. From 11 March to 3 April 2012, it was
closed daily between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm. As a result, BIAL accused
construction company Larsen & Toubro of building the runway poorly. South
of runway 09/27 are a full-length parallel taxiway and the apron, which extends
from the Blue Dart/DHL terminal to the passenger terminal.

8
 The second runway has completed construction at the airport, and was
officially in use from 6 December 2019, when an Indigo airlines flight (6E
466) to Hyderabad took off from runway 09R. The runway will cater to all
types of aircraft including Code-F aircraft like Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-
8 and will be equipped with CAT IIIB ILS. The runway will also feature an
associated parallel taxiway and two cross-field taxiways on the east linking the
new runway to the existing north runway and the aprons at Terminal 1 and the
upcoming Terminal 2. The existing runway will also be upgraded as part of the
expansion work.

Terminal:
A single integrated passenger terminal accommodates both
domestic and international operations. It covers 150,556 m2 (1,620,570 sq ft)
and can handle 20 million passengers annually. Check-in and baggage reclaim
are situated on the lower floor, while departure gates are located on the first
floor. Gates 1, 2, 12–18, 28–30 on the first floor are used for domestic
departures, gates 31–42 on the first floor are used for international departures,
gates 3–9 and gates 19–25 form the Western and Eastern bus gates
respectively. Gate 41–42 is equipped to serve the world's largest passenger
aircraft, the Airbus A380. Lounges are provided by Above Ground Level and
Plaza Premium Lounge, which also operates a day hotel in the terminal. For
VIPs there is a separate 930-square-metre (10,000 sq ft) lounge.

Aviation Fuel Service:

The airport has a fuel farm, spread over 11 acres (4.5 ha) west of the
cargo village and passenger terminal. It was built by Indian Oil Sky Tanking
Ltd (IOSL) but is shared by multiple oil companies.[73] In October 2008, Indian
9
Oil commissioned a 36-kilometre (22 mi) fuel pipeline between its storage
terminal in Devanagonthi and Kempegowda Airport. Previously, jet fuel had to
be transported to the airport by tank trucks, which created traffic and pollution
problems.
Skytanking:
Skytanking provides aviation fuelling services including into-plane
fuelling, aviation fuel storage and hydrant management, investment in aviation
fuel facilities at airports and engineering. Founded in 1998, the company is a
subsidiary of Marquard & Bahls and is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany.
It handles 23.2 million cbm of aviation fuel per year, refuels 2
million aircraft, and has operations at 83 airports in
14 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America (as of: November
2019). Skytanking employed around 1,890 people in 2018.

Passenger traffic at BIAL:

10
 Cargo:
The term Cargo also called as freight can be defined as goods. Air
cargo involves in the transportation of goods by air from the point of origin to
the point of destination. Cargo during transportation is stored in the belly of an
aircraft as shown in Fig. There are separate airlines and aircrafts present only to
handle cargo.

Types of cargo:
The different types of cargo include:
 Valuable Cargo
 Livestock
 Perishables
 Dangerous goods
 Live animals
 Human Remains
 Pharma
 Weapons and explosives, etc.
A separate cargo complex is present at the major airports to
handle the cargo. Different types of cargo require different storage techniques.
Hence, different temperatures. For example, Medicines or perishable items
require to be stored in cool temperatures. That is why ‘Cool ports’ are present
at every cargo complex.
Each type of cargo requires its own way of handling and storage
and this process is done with utmost care and safety. Only people who have
passes can enter a cargo complex and he/she must have an identification card to
be able to enter. Upon entering, masks and gloves are a must for their safety
against the possible harmful chemicals possibly present in the storage of
harmful chemicals and explosives. In case an outsider enters the cargo
premises with a valid pass, this person is always accompanied by a guard.

11
 Utmost safety and precautions are taken during the handling and
storage of cargo.

Handling of cargo at airport terminals:

Many larger terminals are equipped with conveyor systems and
mechanical cargo handling gear, permitting rapid and safe movement within
the terminal. Manual handling involves the stacking of cargo on pallets and in
containers. In smaller terminal facilities, it is the rule. Overcrowded conditions
contribute to handling damage as cargo may be stacked above recommended
heights or re-positioned frequently.
Storage of cargo at modern terminals provide segregated security
areas for high value cargo, and some have cold storage (reefer) facilities for
perishables. Terminals not so equipped are subject to increased theft, pilferage
and deterioration loss hazards. Overcrowded conditions may also require
storage of some cargo outdoors, exposing it to the elements.
Security carriers provide maximum physical measures to protect
cargo from theft or pilferage. Examples include restricting working areas to
employees, applying modern locking and alarm devices and enforcing strict
cargo documentation procedures. When these measures are not enforced, cargo
security is jeopardized.
Dangerous Goods handling - Only trained personnel should handle
this cargo. Consult appropriate publications for guidance such as the ICAO
Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air or
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

12
Air Cargo Containers Fall into Four Basic Categories:
1. Air Cargo Pallets: Designed for use with conveyor systems in
terminals and in aircraft. The low-pro-file flat pallet is equipped with fittings
for securing the pallet firmly to the main deck of an all-cargo aircraft. Cargo is
normally secured to the pallet by use of cargo nets, tightened over cargo by the
application of tensioned straps.
2. Contoured Air Cargo Containers Contoured, semi-structural covers
called Type "A" are used to provide protection for cargo and keep cargo within
safe dimensions for loading in aircraft. These containers may have one side
(front) open, with cargo secured by nets or have metal or fiberglass removable
doors, which are capable of being sealed.
3. Lower Deck Containers Developed for use in the lower deck cargo
spaces of high-capacity aircraft, they are fully structured and completely
enclosed. Cargo is loaded into the container, which may be equipped with
shelves for accommodation of small or irregularly shaped cargo. The container
doors of metal, fabric or a combination of both are closed and sealed.
Containers are locked directly into air-craft restraint systems without need for
nets or tiedowns. Provide dunnage or shelving to prevent crushing of cargo at
recessed end of lower deck container.
4. Box-Type Containers Developed in standard sizes to facilitate
establishment of uniform shipping rates, they are used to consolidate
shipments. Box-type containers are often used by freight forwarders to
consolidate shipper's cargo into one easily handled and rated unit. These
containers are constructed of wood, fiberglass, plywood, fiberboard, metal or
combinations of these materials.

13
Cargo around the World and in India:
Cargo handling is performed at thousands of airports all over the
world by hundreds of companies, posing a high potential risk for deviations in
the quality of handling. IATA actively drives the development of ground
handling operations standards, best-practice processes, and procedures.
The air cargo industry is transforming to capitalize on e-commerce.
Building global standards, creating partnerships, and fostering innovation are
critical to making the most out of the worldwide expansion of online retail.
IATA works to simplify the business and embrace new initiatives and
technologies. The main objective is to make air cargo easier, faster, and
smarter.
Air cargo contributes by carrying important shipments all over the
world and facilitates the supply chain of, foodstuff, mail, automotive parts,
electronics, flowers, vaccines, medical supplies, high-value shipments like
jewelry, livestock, horses, airplane parts, and many other important shipments
that support businesses and keep jobs around the globe.
Hence, competent cargo staff, procedures, cargo information system,
developed infrastructure and process management.
Effective ground operations are essential to meet the passenger and cargo
demand. Putting safety first, implementing global standards, and accelerating
the speed of innovation and process modernization is key. Cargo handlers at
airports have a critical role to play in keeping essential goods moving during
this unprecedented time. Cargo handlers should ensure the efficient and secure
handling of the cargo. Cargo handlers must provide appropriate equipment for
unloading the different types of aircraft.

14
 In the above Figure, the process of air cargo handling can be
simplified. With the help of the requirement of the customers, the rules and
controls and the required mechanisms it can be noted that the desirable
requirements during the Air cargo handling process are fulfilled.
When we talk about the customer requirements, it refers to the type of
goods that need to be handled. It can be either fragile or valuable. A certain set
of procedures is followed at every time during the handling and storage of all
types of cargo.

Hierarchy of Air Cargo Handling Process:

The ACHP is very complex for a number of reasons:
(1) Cargo handling activities at arrival (receipt) and departure (dispatch) run
simultaneously, so that this process has two subprocesses: (a) air cargo
handling subprocess–arrivals and (b) air cargo handling subprocess–departures.
(2) Physical and documentary handling (receipt and dispatch) activities run
simultaneously.
(3) Airside and landside activities run simultaneously.
(4) This process takes place at the same time as two other very specific
processes, namely the handling of aircraft and passengers and baggage
handling process, too.

In India:
The strong relationship between growth in international trade and
logistics infrastructure is widely acknowledged. Growth in trade induced
requirement for supporting infrastructure while availability of infrastructure at
competitive rates promotes trade and improve global competitiveness of the
country. Availability of infrastructure is also a key determinant of foreign
direct investment (FDI) inflows. In developing countries like India an efficient
logistics infrastructure can reduce cost of transportation which in turn can
contribute directly to global competitiveness of the country. Efficient logistics
industry acts as an economic catalyst by opening up new market opportunities,
moving products and services with speed and efficiency.

15
 The demand for air cargo transportation has increased
significantly over the last few years, because product life cycles have shortened
and demand for rapid delivery has increased. Changing business models such
as Just- in-Time Manufacturing and Global outsourcing models have
contributed to the rapid growth of air cargo logistics business. In such a
changing business environment,

where speed-to- market is a competitive imperative, movement of inventory is

no longer viewed as a compartmentalized process.

Rather, the sourcing of inputs, parts and components and the

delivery of final product are all viewed as a continuous value-adding chain.
Efficient supply chain management therefore offers significant benefits
including lower inventory and intermediary costs; and simplicity in order
placement, delivery and management of suppliers and customers. These
benefits directly contribute to making businesses more competitive.
AAI has been managing the air cargo terminals with its well-known
Integrated Cargo Management System (ICMS) at Mumbai (JVC), Delhi (JVC),
Chennai and Kolkata Airports from the year 1999. Depending upon the
requirement and upgradation of Customs EDI programme, AAI had also
upgraded its existing Integrated Cargo Management System(lCMS) and further
intend to upgrade the system based on the new requirements including
implementation for e-Freight compliance, Web based feedback system
including mobile application and IT for domestic cargo handling too.
Chennai and Kolkata Airports have been Upgraded with Elevated
Transfer Vehicle (ETV) facility for handling of palletization/ ULD handling
and the import cargo wings have been provided with Automatic Storage &
Retrieval System (AS&RS) for its enhanced handling capacity and
modernization.

16
Handling of cargo at BIAL:
AIR INDIA SATS
Logo:

About:
AISATS is a 50:50 joint venture between Air India Limited
and SATA Limited, a leading gateway of food and services solutions
provider in Asia. As a part of the Indian Government’s initiative to
upgrade its airports to world-class facilities and attract more airlines to
fly to India, AISATS was formed with the vision to provide world-class
airport services in ground and cargo handling that exceed customer’s
expectations.

Since the start of its operation in 2008, AISATS has provided

hassle-free and comprehensive solutions to its customer airlines in
international airports at Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mangalore and
Trivandrum. Currently employing over 7,000 staff, AISATS offers end-
to-end ground handling services such as passenger and baggage
handling, ramp handling, aircraft interior cleaning, load control and
flight operations, and cargo handling services for general, perishable,
17
 transshipment, express courier and special cargo. In the past year,
AISATS Cargo Airfreight Terminal in Bengaluru won the “Air Cargo
Terminal Operator” for the 4th year running from the Indian Chamber of
Commerce. AISATS customers also won various “best performing”
station awards from their respective HQs as well. AISATS is SAGO
(IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations) and ISO 9001:2008
certified.

Air India SATS handles:

 Passenger Handling.
 Baggage Handling.
 Load Control & Flight OPS.
 UV Vector Air.
 Automated Exterior Aircraft Cleaning.
 Meet and Assist Services.
 Handling charter, Diverted and VIP flights.

Cool Port at AISATS:

 The Cool port at AISATS is India’s first integrated On-Airport

perishable cargo handling center at Bengaluru.
 Air India SATS Airport Service Private Limited, India’s
premier airport services coming up with ‘AISATS COOLPORT’-
India’s first integrated on-airport perishable cargo handling center
at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
 AISATS Cool port, with its new state of art facility, will
meet the ever-increasing demands and handling requirements of
temperature-sensitive cargo by providing modern cold storage
infrastructure and process to maintain an unbroken cold chain. It
will also enhance Karnataka’s status as the pharmaceutical and
perishable hub of India.
 This integrated facility will be a one-stop shop for- State-
of-art Drug Controller Lab facility, plant quarantine center and
Inspection & Certification facility, Customs Clearance, End-to-end
solutions for cool chain handling.

18
Some features that include at AISATS are:
 Acceptance/ Handling/ Storage/ Buildup under ambient temperature of
20 to 25 deg Celsius.
 Data loggers/ buzzer alarms to monitor product requirement with logger
reports.
 Air Sealed Truck Docks.
 Material Handling System will have PRDs with weighing machines,
Caster Deck and refrigerated Queue Lanes with temperature of 2 to 8
deg Celsius for Unitized shipments (MDP/LDP).

Features of AISATS:
 Dedicated X-ray machines for Pharma and Perishable cargo.
 Handling of Envirotainers.
 Cool Trolleys to maintain temperature during transport from Cool
port to the aircraft and vice versa.
 Thermal Blanket/ Dry Ice/ Batteries available on request.
 Energy efficient LED lighting at warehouse.
19
  Other value-added services as required.

Menzies Aviation Bobba PVT. LTD.

Menzies aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Pvt. Ltd. Is a joint venture

company between Menzies Aviation and Bobba Group. Along with a
brand-new Bengaluru International Airport the company commenced its
cargo handling operations from its new 170,000 sq. ft. facility on 24 th May
2008.
The powerful combination of an international and local aviation expertise
in pursuit of making a difference in the cargo handling services at the new
green-field airport in Bengaluru.
MABB is a cargo handling provider managed by an experienced
team, operating from the state-of-the-art facility featuring automated cargo
management system tailored for Indian rules and regulations, pre-emptive
service management, 24/7 CCTV surveillance of all areas \, access control
system and Lift & Run storage system. Service of the highest global
standards while ensuring the safety & security of the Air Cargo Product is
their commitment to the air cargo community in Bengaluru.

Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Private Limited is a

Private incorporated on 20 June 2006. It is classified as Non-govt company
and is registered at Registrar of Companies, Bangalore. Its authorized
20
 share capital is Rs. 959,079,170 and its paid-up capital is Rs. 937,347,970.
It is involved in Supporting and auxiliary transport activities, activities of
travel agencies.
Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Private Limited's Annual
General Meeting (AGM) was last held on 30 September 2019 and as per
records from Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), its balance sheet was
last filed on 31 March 2019.
Directors of Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Private
Limited are Balajee Deekshith Bobba, Veeraswamynatham Bobba, Wyley
Charles Brodie Joseph, Coenraad Hendrik Bester, Kannan Gopalan, Anil
Kunapuli Kumar, Chandrakala Bobba.

Cold Zone at Menzies Bobba:

The pharmaceutical and healthcare industry is quite unique and demanding
in its logistics requirements. It warrants expertise in complex logistics
processes as well as a comprehensive understanding of its quality assurance,
legislative framework, transport and handling requirements. After having
studied the logistics requirements of the pharmaceutical, healthcare industry
and various perishable commodities, Menzies Aviation Bobba have devised a
winning and unique combination of resources, which would ensure
competitiveness, compliance and prompt service delivery.
As a corollary, Menzies Aviation Bobba Cargo Terminal has opened up
a dedicated Cold Zone onsite and adopted operational processes with
permanent temperature monitoring which meets the requirements of WHO,
IATA and GDP guidelines. Our Cold Zone has been assessed and certified as
meeting the requirements of World Health Organization (WHO), Good Storage
and Distribution Practices (GSDP).
They are committed to ensure the highest level of integrity for
pharmaceutical and healthcare products, throughout the supply chain.
Pharmaceuticals, Perishable, Time & Temperature sensitive shipments
require special attention to its handling. An increase in the quantum of regulation
brings with it an increase in the demand for handling requirements of temperature-
sensitive cargo. Menzies Aviation Bobba, with its dedicated Cold Zone, is well
prepared to handle such demands, within the existing infrastructure of the Cargo
terminal.
The infrastructure of 8,509 Sq. Ft offers an acceptance area of 2580 Sq.
Ft and a storage and build-up area of 5929 Sq. Ft.
Operation Process:

21
  A complete handling process is in place from acceptance to the
release of cargo, from the warehouse.
 A comprehensive system on par with global standards has been
deployed, which ensures no excursion in temperature while at our Cold Zone.
 Temperature control alarm notification – Hooter & SMS
system.
 An effective, safe, secure and functional operational
environment is in place that guarantees consistent and sustainable quality.

Cargo Handling Procedures at BIAL:

The handling agent will often be a separate company contracted by
the airline, but cargo handling can also be an in-house function of the airline,
especially at a major hub.
Also the airlines often offer their in-house cargo handling as a
commercial service to other airlines. The handling agent takes care of the air
cargo handling at the airport, to and from the aircraft. Depending on the kind of
goods, destination (flight number) and urgency, delivery at the handling agent
has to be done within a certain norm-time before departure (TBD) of the
aircraft, also called a slot or a slot-time.
BIAL strives to develop a collaborative and consultative relationship
with its cargo partners to enhance current and future facilities and
infrastructure. The Airport is among the most mechanised cargo terminals in
the Country, with the processing of all types of cargo, including pharma and
temperature-controlled products, perishable cargo, electronics and animals.

22
 BIAL is equipped with cutting-edge technology assets, superior
logistics and backed by reputed cargo terminal operators – Air India SATS and
Menzies Aviation Bobba Bangalore – BLR Airport plays a key role in ensuring
that products reach their destinations on time.
Currently, the BLR Airport offers connections to 25 global & 55 domestic
destinations, with 15 freighters.
An AirWay Bill is generated. AWB is a bill of lading which covers both
domestic and international flights transporting goods to a specified destination.
Technically, it is a non-negotiable instrument of air transport which serves as a
receipt for the shipper, indicating that the carrier has accepted the goods listed
therein and obligates itself to carry the consignment to the airport of destination
according to specified conditions. Normally AWB refers to the Air Waybill

issued by carrying airlines and also called Master Air Waybill (MAWB) which
comes with three digits of numeric airline identification codes issued by IATA.
Customs, a government authority, designated to collect duties
levied by a country on imports/ exports is issued at BIAL.
Cargo at BIAL deals with Consignment. Consignment is the delivery
of merchandise from an exporter (the consignor) to an agent (the consignee)
under agreement that the agent sell the merchandise for the account of the
exporter. The consignor retains title to the goods until sold. The consignee sells
the goods for commission and remits the net proceeds to the consignor.
At BIAL, “Freight/Carriage paid to …” means that the seller pays the
freight for the carriage of the goods to the named destination. However, the risk
of loss of or damage to the goods, as well as of any cost increases, is
transferred from the seller to the buyer when the goods have been delivered
into the custody of the first carrier and not at the ship’s rail. The term can be
used for all modes of transport including multi-modal operations and container
or “roll on-roll off” traffic by trailer and ferries. When the seller has to furnish
a bill of lading, waybill or carrier’s receipt, he duly fulfils this obligation by
presenting such a document issued by the person with whom he has contracted
for carriage to the named destination.
Freight/ carriage insurance is paid with the addition that the seller has
to procure transport insurance against the risk of loss or damage of the goods
during the carriage. The seller contracts the insurer and pays the insurance with
a premium.

23
 Fig.8

The whole physical air transport process can be picture by the following steps:

Fig. 9

The above figure illustrates the activities that t ake place both on the
landside as well as the airside during the entire process of cargo handling. The
airport is divided into Airside and Landside. Landside descriptions cover how
passengers arrive/depart the airport terminal building and move through the
terminal building to board the airplanes. Airside describes the movement of the
airplanes on the airports surface.
On the landside of the airport comes in a truck with the cargo needed
to be shipped. The truck gets unloaded and procedures for the next step, that is
documentation follows.

24
 Documentation: One of the first procedures in flight handling is
documentation. Without documentation, a shipment may not even leave the
airport warehouse. Invoices, packing lists. Certificate of Origin etc. all fall
under the single heading of export documentation.
 Pro-Forma or Commercial Invoice and Other documents : Some countries will
not accept a pro-forma invoice as a legitimate document for customs clearance.
 Let your consignee confirm in writing all the documents that are needed.
 Many countries demand that the document is signed in blue ink. No point in
fretting. If the law demands a signature in blue ink, there is no other option.
The documents must accompany the shipment. In many cases copies will
be enough. In the majority of cases, originals must accompany the
consignment. Retain good electronic copies of all. They must be made
accessible via email.

 Packaging: One may not believe, but the truth is many people do not
pay attention to packaging. Air freight handling procedures include checking
the packages, stability, possibilities of manipulating (air freight security),
overhang, etc are all very important in the packaging process of the air cargo
handling.

 Packaging Security: Close all the slits, opening, etc. No opening should
be visible. Securing the cartons on the pallet by using strong bands is very
important. The bands or strips must not be cut during the packaging. The next
step in this process is to affix the details of the Consignee and the Shipper on at
least 2 sides of the carton. It must be made sure cartons that have labels like

25
 “This Side Up” must not be turned the other side. The text “DO NOT
THROW” must be mentioned in bold letters, if needed. The sign for
“FRAGILE” item is clearly stated on the carton or the container.
 Pick up: The driver should sign the shipment slip with the name and
other information like registration number of the vehicle, date & time. It is the
driver's duty to note and report any damages on the outside of the consignment.
The documents are to be handed over to the driver in person. Copies of the
documents must be attached to the shipment in waterproof packets.
 Export warehouse: The warehouse staff should check the condition like:
1. Conditions of outer packaging.
2. Dangerous goods requirements, if the shipment is classified as
such.
3. Outer dimensions.
4. Gross weight (net weight/ quantity is not relevant unless it is a
dangerous good).

 Screening: Every consignment must have a secured status. If the shipper is not
classified as KNOWN CONSIGNOR (by the concerned legal authority), the
shipment must be screened and declared SECURED by the authorised staff to
do that.
Opening of the shipment must be done in certain cases. The
shipment can be packed again after the inspection. This process usually
happens when the package has a high-density factor, which prevents the X-rays
from penetrating the material. Screening is an inseparable part of air cargo all
over the world.
 Dangerous Goods- A declaration form is a must for Dangerous goods. The
airline has the authority to check and reject the package if there are any errors.
A recheck fee will be applicable in addition to the standard dangerous goods
fee.
The shipper's declaration for the dangerous goods, DGD, must be
labelled correctly. With a minimum of two originals, sometimes the airlines
demand three. No overlapping of label DGD is permitted. When it comes to
dangerous goods, a strict No Tolerance Policy is followed. Dangerous goods
have no priority and can be offloaded by an airline at any time.
 Floorboard Tolerance: It is the amount of weight applied on a square meter of
space by the freight on an aircraft. It is especially important when a pallet with
Chock (feet) is used. The amount of weight focused on one chock is the
method of calculation. Pallets with exposed chocks must be avoided. It must be

26
 checked that the weight of the freight is evenly distributed on the pallet.
Overhang, freight projecting out of the pallet area must be avoided.
 Packaging, Dimensions and Weight: Air cargo handling process always
includes 3 factors:
1. Specify the art of packaging on the SLI (Shipper's letter of
Instructions) on the carton/ pallet. The number of cartons must be specified on
the SLI.
2. The outer dimensions must be mentioned in units
(cm/inches/feet).
3. The sequence of Length x Width x Height must always be used.
On long haul flights, the maximum height of the consignment
permissible per piece is 160cm. If a flight will need transit, it can happen that a
smaller aircraft will be in operation. This will mean that the shipment must be
shorter than 70 cm in height and must hold a maximum weight of 150kg in
total per piece.
The air cargo agent or broker must declare the net weight of the shipment
in his custom bill of entry. Mentioning the art of packaging on the consignee’s
documentation will help the export freight forwarder to include it on the Air
Waybill or his pre advice to the agent board.

Temperature controlled Aircraft Unit Load Devices at BIAL:

27
 Unit load devices (ULDs) are pallets and containers which are used to
carry air cargo, mail and passenger's baggage on wide-body aircraft. With a lot
of research in the Cargo Complex of Bangalore International Airport, it has
been proven that advances in refrigeration systems and the use of composite
materials used in the construction of these containers have enhanced the ability
of key stakeholders to provide unbroken cool-chains.

In the above figures it shows temperature-controlled Unit Load Device is

shown.
In the air transport industry, an important area of technological
advancement in recent times has been in aircraft unit load devices (ULDs).
Unit load devices, or ULDs, are pallets and containers which are used
to load passenger’s baggage, air cargo and mail onto a wide-body aircraft. The
International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that there is currently
around 700,000 ULDs in use by the world's airlines, with an estimated
replacement value of close to approximately $USD 1 billion.
Brief History of the ULD’s:
With the introduction of wide-bodied aircraft, such as the Boeing
B747 and the McDonnell Douglas DCI0 aircraft in the 1970s, a large volume
of space was required to be filled in the lower deck belly holds of passenger
flights and a faster method of loading and unloading needed to be introduced.
Airlines therefore utilise special containers (aircraft unit load devices) that are
designed to fit the lower deck belly holds of their wide-body passenger aircraft,
together with specially designed containers to fit the main deck of their
freighter aircraft (Baxter, 2011; Morrell, 20IIa). The utilization of ULDs assists
airlines in the standardization and unitization of loading and discharging
passenger baggage and air cargo at airports.
In addition to the ULDs used to carry passenger baggage, airlines
use special ULDs for the carriage of air cargo and mail, such as containers and
pallets. An aircraft pallet and its net and/or igloo, and/or aircraft container,
enable individual pieces of air cargo and passenger’s baggage to be assembled
28
into a standard size unit to expedite the loading and unloading of aircraft
(Allaz, 2004). The use of ULDs also protects the contents from damage and
pilferage, and ensures the airline optimises the space inside the aircraft.
Active temperature-controlled containers enable the transportation of
commodities, both in the air and on the ground, thereby enhancing the life of
temperature-sensitive commodities by preserving the cool chain throughout the
complete life cycle of the end-to-end transportation process. These containers
work by an active temperature-controlled system based on compressor cooling
and electric heating equipment, or alternatively they use a temperature-
controlled system based on dry ice refrigeration (Sales, 2013). Importantly,
these containers are designed to be compatible on wide-body passenger and
freighter aircraft types.
Many refrigerated products often require 2 to 8°C control during their
transportation and storage. In order to meet this shipping requirement, special
temperature-controlled containers (ULDs) have been developed that maintain a
constant 2 to 8 °C temperature throughout the shipment cycle.
Temperature-controlled containers enable precise end-to-end
temperature control throughout every stage of the cold chain transportation
cycle to ensure that the products being shipped inside is never affected by
variable conditions experienced during the consignments journey.

Cargo Screening Equipments:

 Trace Detection:
The discovery and identification of microscopic particles and
vapors emitted by explosives, narcotics, and harmful substances plays a
key role in countering the increasingly complex air cargo security risks
posed by terrorism and other threats. Morpho’s Ion Trap Mobility
Spectrometer (ITMS) technology is able to detect a wide range of
substances with greater accuracy, speed, and dependability than ever
before. Morpho’s trace detection systems can help close security
loopholes by reliably detecting explosives and narcotics residue from
the surfaces of cargo packaged for air cargo shipment.

Applications:
• Break bulk and palletized cargo
• Oversized/out-of-gauge cargo
• Floral and produce screening.
• Narcotics detection.
• Alarm resolutions/confirmation from X-ray, canines, EDS.
• Employee and visitor checkpoints.
• Vehicle checkpoints.

29
 • Fixed-site or mobile/remote screening.

 Conventional X-Ray Screening:

High-resolution X-ray (HRX) screening devices offer cost
efficient X-ray screening solutions for small, medium, large and pallet-
size parcels and containers in a wide array of security environments.
The HRX series combines simplicity of operation with state-of the-art
image clarity and resolution.

APPLICATIONS:
• Packages and parcels
• Break bulk and palletized cargo
• Inline conveyor integration
• Flat in-feed to conveyor
• Employee and visitor checkpoints.

30
  CTX Explosives Systems:
Built on advanced Computed Tomography (CT) explosives
detection technology, Morpho’s CTX™ product line represents the
latest evolution in EDS technology. Both the CTX 5800 and 9800 DSi
systems provide significant improvements in throughput capacity and
introduce the Clarity Data Acquisition System (DAS), a unique high
resolution imaging engine that delivers unprecedented high-definition
3D (HD3D) images of screened cargo. The CTX 9800 DSi offers
advanced throughput performance with a path to continued detection
and technological innovations to meet future air cargo security and
operational requirements.

Applications:

• Packages and parcels

• Break bulk and palletized cargo

• Narcotics detection (via Operator Assist feature)

• Inline conveyor integration

• Flat or incline in-feed to conveyor

• Risers/exit slides

Other equipments used by BIAL in the handling of cargo: (Ground

Support)

31
1. Dock Levelers:
 A dock leveler forms a ramp to bridge the distance between the dock
and truck. It must be able to compensate for the up-and-down movement of the
trailer during loading and unloading.
 A dock leveler is an equipment used to level up the difference in height
between a warehouse floor and delivery vehicle. It has an adjustable height
which can be used for various vehicles.
 With the dock leveler, smooth transition is ensured when goods are
loaded or unloaded from/into a truck. The leveler is found usually on the
premises of the warehouse and in the shipping or train yard.
 During the loading or unloading process the vehicle's upward and
downward movement, or float, is automatically followed. A Loading Systems
dock leveler is also suited to load or unload so-called end loads below
warehouse level. The working range or lip angle can be adjusted to suit specific
requirements.
 The dock leveler bridges the gap to ensure smooth and safe transfer of
goods between vehicle and loading dock. Manual dock plates and automatic
levelers to suit the facility can accommodate different types of vehicles and
other equipment.
 A leveler enables the easy transition of goods between a loading bay and
a docked vehicle, keeping stock and staff protected from damage and injury.
And they are designed to withstand the bumps and shocks of the daily loading
process, so one can be confident that they have a long lifetime. From manual
dock plates to automatic dock levelers, one can tailor your solution to fit one’s
facility.

2. Dollies:
 Dollies for loose baggage are used for the transportation of loose
baggages, oversized bags, mail bags, loose cargo carton boxes, etc. between the
aircraft and the terminal or sorting facility. Dollies for loose baggage are fitted
with a brake system which blocks the wheels from moving when the
connecting rod is not attached to a tug. Most dollies for loose baggage are
completely enclosed except for the sides which use plastic curtains to protect

32
 items from weather. In the US, these dollies are called Baggage Cart, but in
Europe Baggage Cart means passenger baggage trolleys.

 Dollies for unit load device (ULD) and cargo pallets are standard sized
flatbed trolley or platform, with many wheels, roller bars or ball bearings
protruding above the top surface for easy loading and unloading of ULD and
cargo pallets respectively. Since ULD/pallet rest on ball bearings, these dollies
are equipped with hinge/locks to secure the position of the ULD/pallet on them
during tugging transportation. The aviation industry adopted ULD/pallets to be
lightweight containers and supporting platforms respectively, intended to be
loaded into aircraft and fly along with their loads, they need to be minimum in
weight and thus do not have wheels or strong base structure. Also, the
ULD/pallets have stringent dimensional standard following the aircraft cargo
bay dimension.
 The apron is a large area that using direct eyesight to find an item is
not easy. A dolly in operation needs frequent detachment and re-attachment
from the tug and other dollies. It is not access controlled (it does not need a car
key be used, like an automobile). It is not always supervised by the same driver
(any tractor can come to pick up any dolly and tug them away, sometimes
erroneously).
 As a result of all above factors, dollies do get lost/misplaced on an
apron, or at least dollies fleet management is an ongoing burden for ground
support equipment operator.

33
 Aircraft Tripod Jack:

 Aircraft Jack Lift used to support the tail of an EVA Air Boeing 747 to
avoid the aircraft tail from falling to ground during the cargo loading/unloading
activity in which the "tail heavy" situation may occur.
 They are used to support a parked aircraft to prevent their tail from
drooping or even falling to the ground. When the passengers in the front get off
an aircraft, the aircraft becomes tail heavy, and the tail will droop. Using the
jack is optional but not all aircraft need it. When needed, they are tugged to the
tail and set up by manpower. Once set up, no supervision to the jack is needed
until the aircraft is ready to leave.

Container Loaders:
Container loaders, also known as cargo loaders or "K loaders", are
used for the loading and unloading of containers and pallets into and out of
aircraft. The loader has two platforms which raise and descend independently.
The containers or pallets on the loader are moved with the help of built-in
rollers or wheels. There are different container and pallet loaders.
For military transport planes special container and pallet loaders are
used. Some military applications use airborne loaders, which are transportable
within the transport plane itself. Fig. 21 & 22 are called as Main Deck loader.

34
 Belt loaders:

Belt loaders are vehicles with conveyor belts for unloading and
loading of baggage and cargo onto aircraft. A belt loader is positioned at the
door sill of an aircraft hold (baggage compartment) during operation. Belt
loaders are used for narrow body aircraft, and the bulk hold of wide body
aircraft. Stowing baggage without containers is known as bulk loading.

Cargo operations all around the world:

 Cargo handling is performed at thousands of airports all over the
world by hundreds of companies, posing a high potential risk for deviations in
the quality of handling. IATA actively drives the development of ground
handling operations standards, best-practice processes, and procedures.

35
 The air cargo industry is transforming to capitalize on e-commerce.
Building global standards, creating partnerships, and fostering innovation are
critical to making the most out of the worldwide expansion of online retail. The
airports work to simplify the business and embrace new initiatives and
technologies. Our objective is to make air cargo easier, faster, and smarter.
 Top 10 cargo operators around the world are:
1. Fed-Ex Express- 17503 freight tonne-kilometers flown.
2. Qatar Airways Cargo- 13024 freight tonne-kilometers flown.
3. UPS Airlines- 12842 freight tonne-kilometers flown.
4. Emirates Sky Cargo- 12052 freight tonne-kilometers flown.
5.Cathay Pacific Cargo- 10930 freight tonne-kilometers flown.
6. Korean Air Cargo- 7412freight tonne-kilometers flown.
7. Lufthansa Cargo- 7226 freight tonne-kilometers flown.
8. Cargolux- freight tonne- 7180kilometers flown.
9. Turkish Airlines- 7029 freight tonne-kilometers flown.
10. China Southern Airlines Cargo- 6825 freight tonne-
kilometers flown.

Cargo Operations in India:

 The complexity in air freightage has caused several businesses to lose
a massive profit as well as the goodwill amongst their customers. This has led
many companies to turn to air freight forwarders in India to outsource their
solutions. Such companies deliver cost-benefits, but they also maintain the
skills and background knowledge to make the air shipping services more
organized. With error-free and timely delivery services of air cargo companies
in India, businesses can reassign their attention to their core business purposes.

36
 Investing in a professional air freightage service provider allows
enterprises to expand their service range to global clients and operate beyond
borders. These agencies ensure secure and economical transportation of export
and import of raw materials as well as final products throughout the world.
 The different cargo operators in India are:
1. Air India Cargo.
2. Spice Express.
3. Blue Dart Aviation
4. Quick Jet Airlines.
5. DHL
6. FED-Ex

Fig shows the loading of cargo in Air India Cargo airline.

Fig shows the cargo airline- Spice Express.

Cargo operations at BIAL:

 Bengaluru, March 12, 2021: Cargo operations at Kempegowda
International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB/ BLR Airport) are set to get bigger and
better with the operationalization of the Express Cargo Terminal.
 Developed by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) – operator
of BLR Airport - the 200,000 sq. ft. built-to-suit facility will house leading
global express courier organisations such as DHL Express and FedEx Express.
Express Industry Council of India (EICI) will operate the Common-User
Express Terminal for other courier companies. The Common-user Terminal
will add impetus to Bengaluru’s already strong e-commerce base. The
Terminal will have a dedicated space for Customs offices, and direct access to
both Landside and Airside.
 South India’s busiest Cargo Airport, this exclusive terminal for express
couriers at Bengaluru Airport will boost the region’s trade and economy
significantly. It will enable ease of doing business. Also, it will reduce
37
 transaction time as well as cost for the shipper by providing a dedicated facility
for express courier shipments.
 According to BIAL, this facility will enable the airport to process 150,000
MT annually, taking the overall annual cargo capacity of the Bengaluru Airport
from the existing 570,000 MT to 720,000 MT. This warehousing facility is a
first-of-its-kind at an Indian airport, which has been designed as well as built-
to-suit. BIAL also mentioned that this will provide operators with streamlined
operational workflows the provision for expansion in the future. The airport
operator further said that mechanized truck docks will allow quicker
acceptance as well as delivery of freight. With dedicated space for each
operator, the terminal is expected to improve throughput and cater to the
requirements of the burgeoning industry.

Air Cargo Operators at BIAL:

Domestic Cargo:
 Blue Dart Aviation Limited:
Blue Dart Express Ltd., South Asia's premier express air
and integrated transportation & distribution company, offers secure and reliable
delivery of consignments to over 35,000 locations in India. As part of the
DPDHL Group’s (DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding & DHL Supply
Chain) Post - E-commerce - Parcel (PeP) division, Blue Dart accesses the
largest and most comprehensive express and logistics network worldwide,
covering over 220 countries and territories and offers an entire spectrum of
distribution services including air express, freight forwarding, supply chain
solutions and customs clearance. Two Boeing 757 freighters have been
inducted into the network from June 2006, and Ahmedabad has been connected
as the 7th aviation hub.
The airport-to-airport service is an air freight service available on
the flights operated by Blue Dart Aviation between the airports of Kolkata,

38
 Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. The
advantages of an airport-to-airport service are:
 No Cooling-Period: All the Blue Dart Aviation warehouses are equipped with
X-ray machines, which eliminate the necessity of the mandatory 24-hour
cooling-period required for security reasons for all air freight transported
within India.
 Late Night Cut-off & Early Morning Deliveries: With Blue Dart Aviation's
night operations, shipments manufactured during the day can connect the night
flights and be delivered at destination the next morning.
 Capacity: Blue Dart Aviation is the only cargo operator with scheduled
B757 freighter services within India and can offer a larger capacity than other
domestic airline.
Logo: Aircraft used: B-757

 Spice Xpress:
Spice Xpress handles:
 Airport-to-airport services is provided by Spice Xpress. It is a
convenient, fast and efficient service to transport general goods. Airport to
airport service combines speed, efficiency, and reliability while giving a cost-
effective solution. Extensive cross-country network allows goods to be
transported efficiently and quickly. Network connection includes main metro
cities, tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Live status updates and 24*7 tracking available.
 Freighter Services: efficient freighter service we have the ability to
transport all general commodities. Given our extensive fleet and efficient
working practice, they have always performed duties at a reasonable price
without ever sacrificing quality. Their experience in the aviation industry is
second to none. This has allowed to be at the forefront of innovation and
technicians will ensure that your cargo is accurately tracked for the entire
duration of its journey.

39
 Their freighter services are ideal for anyone that requires a
service provider to transport general goods. They’ve built up an extensive
infrastructure over the years as well as a reputation for being a reliable partner
for all the customers that they serve.
Our commitment to care is the reason why their clients have
pledged to put their trust in their abilities to fulfill their needs. We’ll pride
ourselves on looking after customers goods and delivering them in a time-
efficient manner. Every time.
 High Value Cargo: There’s certain cargo that’s far too valuable to take chances
with. That’s why SpiceXpress offers high-value cargo service for all items that
require an additional layer of security.
All gold, bullion, silver, diamonds, platinum, other precious metals
and stones, and high-value cargo with being safe and secure in their hands.
Complacency and inexact methodologies simply aren’t good enough.
Security needs to be prioritized at every step of the way. With securely sealed
cargo boxes combined with constant surveillance by experienced personnel,
they take appropriate steps to perceive and mitigate all potential risks for the
entire duration that one place one’s precious cargo in our hands.
 Perishable Cargo: Whether it’s fruit, vegetables, vaccines, flowers or
other food items, SpiceXpress’s integrated cool chain solution will guarantee
freshness and product integrity for all the customers perishable goods while
complying with IATA (International Air Transport Association) Perishable
Cargo Regulations.
In today’s global commercial environment, a single piece of fruit can
travel thousands of miles before it ends up on the plate of the consumer. In the
same way, a jar of medicine may travel across several continents before it’s
used to cure a patient. That’s why they pay attention to the details and make
sure we take maximum care while your goods are in their hands.
They understand that time is of the essence and things need to be
moved quickly. On the other hand, just like fluctuation of one or two degrees
can lead to permanent damage, an overly humid environment can tarnish goods
while poor handling can severely compromise quality. For everything that can
go wrong, they’ve developed the perfect set of systems and solutions that gets
the job done in a timely and reliable manner.
 Whatever a customer's perishable goods maybe, they cultivate the ideal and
optimal environment for the journey. Rest assured, upon delivery, the goods
will be as fresh as they were before the order was placed.

Logo:

40
 Aircraft Used: Boeing 737 NG, B 737

Fig. 31 Fig. 32
 SpiceXpress also deals with the transportation of Dangerous goods, which
are divided into 9 classes in which precautions and measurements for handling
the same are done carefully.
 Along with this, SpiceXpress will also provide its customers for
transportation of Fragile goods and the goods which are heavy or irregular
items.

International Cargo:
 Aero Logic:
Logo:

Fig. 33
 For AeroLogic, capacity, range, fuel consumption, environmental friendliness
and of course, market availability were the crucial considerations. After an
extensive review of its needs and requirements, AeroLogic opted 2007 for the

41
 Boeing 777F. With its ultramodern technology, it is not only reliable and cost-
efficient but has also low-maintenance and low-emission.
 This plane is unique in its ability to carry a full cargo load of more than 100t
non-stop over a range of about 9,000 km. Moreover, the Boeing 777F requires
20 percent less fuel than the Boeing 747-400F and is one of the quietest
airplanes of its class.

The current AeroLogic fleet comprises 18 Boeing 777F.

 On weekdays, freighters mainly fly to Asian destinations in the express
network operated by DHL Express. At weekends AeroLogic is at Lufthansa
Cargo´s services.
In the current summer schedule 2020 AeroLogic serves the 29 destinations.
 AeroLogic is jointly owned by Deutsche Post AG and Deutsche
Lufthansa AG through their subsidiaries DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo,
each with 50 percent shares.
 A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories
and about 275,000 employees worldwide offer customers superior service
quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements.

 Cathay Pacific:

Logo:

Types of cargo lifts by Cathay Pacific:

42
 Cathay pacific offers a priority time Cargo. Priority LIFT is a premium
express freight service that provides top priority shipment and express
handling.
 Dangerous goods Lift: When one is shipping dangerous goods, we need
a professional carrier with the expertise to handle all of the necessary
transportation requirements. Cathay Pacific's Dangerous Goods acceptance
examination ensures your shipment arrives in a safe condition. Handling
dangerous goods requires special expertise to ensure there are no risks to
human life during the journey. The mission of the dangerous goods team to
work closely with customers to make overall safety the first priority.
 Wine Lift: Wine LIFT provides complete peace-of-mind to customers,
with shipments being handled by teams experienced in transporting fragile and
valuable cargo. Shipment security will also be ensured under close monitoring
of CCTV.
 Pharma Lift: There are many reasons to ship high value pharmaceutical
products across Asia or around the world. Cathay Pacific understands the
potential costs in lives and dollars if they don’t arrive in perfect condition.
Pharma LIFT is a comprehensive range of specialized and professional air
cargo services for temperature sensitive shipments designed to meet your
needs.
 Live Animal Lift: Transporting live animals requires an extra level of
care and comfort throughout the journey. Live Animal LIFT is a professional
service ensuring animals travel with the care and attention they deserve.
 Secure Lift for high value cargo: Transporting valuable shipments
around the world requires dedicated, top-level security.
Secure LIFT provides you with a customized air-freight service that
provides safe and secure storage, transportation and delivery of your precious
property. All under the watchful eyes of CCTV surveillance systems and
highly trained professionals.
 Expert Lift: Transporting special shipments from limousines to oil
drilling equipment requires special handling processes. Expert LIFT is a
customized freight service that provides personalized logistical support for the
storage, transportation and delivery of your unusual cargo. All supervised by
our professional team with vast experience handling special shipments.

43
 The above figure shows how an Expert Lift of cargo is done by Cathay Pacific.
 Fresh Lift:
From seafood to flowers, sending perishable cargo around the world
requires fast and reliable handling by professionals who are experienced in cold
chain management. Fresh Lift provides specialized perishable shipment
handling to facilitate and extend the shelf-life of fresh goods.

 Etihad Cargo:

Etihad Cargo, formerly Etihad Crystal Cargo, is the dedicated freight

operations branch of Etihad. The carrier refreshed its brand image in June 2012
dropping the "Crystal" part, with full Etihad Cargo titles now applied billboard-
style in line with the airline's current corporate design.
Etihad Cargo operates six Boeing B777Fs. It has previously operated
a Boeing 747-400F and Boeing 747-8F, both leased from Atlas Air but operated
in full Etihad Cargo colours. In January 2018, Etihad announced it would retire
and either sell or lease out its five relatively new Airbus A330-200F freighters
due to a change in strategy and reduction of freight capacity. In August 2018, it
was announced that all five A330 freighters had been sold to DHL Aviation.
Etihad Cargo delivered 368,000 tonnes of cargo in 2012, a tonnage
growth of 19 percent on the back of a capacity increase of 14 percent in
available tonnage kilometres. Etihad's new facility at Abu Dhabi International
Airport is equipped to handle more than 500,000 tonnes annually. In September
44
 2018, Etihad Cargo announced a revised and heavily downsized network of
cargo destinations to reflect the reduced fleet and a focus on core freight
operations.

Flight used: B 777

 Fed Ex:
FedEx Corporation, formerly Federal Express Corporation and later
FDX Corporation, is an American multinational delivery services company
headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. The name "FedEx" is a syllabic
abbreviation of the name of the company's original air division, Federal Express,
which was used from 1973 until 2000. FedEx today is best known for its air
delivery service, FedEx Express, which was one of the first major shipping
companies to offer overnight delivery as a flagship service. Since then, FedEx
also started FedEx Ground, FedEx Office (originally known as Kinko's), FedEx
Supply Chain, FedEx Freight, and various other services across multiple
subsidiaries, often meant to respond to its main competitor, UPS. FedEx is
also one of the top contractors of the US government and does assist in the
transport of some United States Postal Service packages through its service
FedEx Smart Post.

FedEx's prominence in both the United States and the world have made
it a common topic in popular culture, with examples including the film Cast
Away as well as some of its marketing slogans (most famously "when it
absolutely positively has to be there overnight"). In addition, FedEx has
purchased the naming rights to FedEx Field of the NFL's Washington Football
Team and FedEx Forum of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies. FedEx's air shipping
services have made its main hub at Memphis International Airport the busiest
cargo airport in the United States, the Americas, and the Western Hemisphere,
and second-busiest cargo airport in the world behind Hong Kong.

45
 Future Trend in Cargo:

 World air cargo traffic is forecast to increase dynamically, with the

annual growth rate over 4% in the next 20 years. In that, air freight is projected
to grow at a rate of 4.3% per annum while airmail will grow at an average rate
of 2%.
 Air cargo market is and will be significantly stimulated by the boom of
e-commerce, with its market size forecast to increase 20% per annum during
the next five years, to about $5 trillion in 2021.
 Economic outlook, increasing customer expectations and changing
regulations are redefining the handling, storage and distribution of goods
transported by air which consequentially impacts cargo facilities. Changes are
therefore needed in business models, architectural and process designs,
deployed technologies and workforce skillsets.
 Fully automated high-rack warehouses, automated and green vehicles
navigating autonomously through the facility, employees equipped with tools,
including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR),
empowering them to be more efficient – the next generation of technology-
enhanced cargo facilities will boost productivity, operational efficiencies and
increase responsiveness to customers.
 The cargo facility of the future will be safe and secure, green,
automated, connected and smart. This will ensure the cargo facility of the
future is fit for purpose in size, location and for the people who use it.
 The cargo will be secured upstream with a combination of technology
and data used to confirm security status throughout the process up to and

46
 within the facility. When necessary, extra controls will be flagged and planned
accordingly.
 Screening equipment onsite will be designed specifically for air cargo and
integrated into the process, so that no additional steps or touch points are
required.
 Green facilities will protect their owners from traditional energy price
increases and carbon emission taxes/penalties, resulting in overall cost
reductions.
 Single-use plastics, such as shrink wraps, protective covers will be
replaced with suitable alternatives whose total impact assessment lowers the
footprint while maintaining efficiency.

How Cargo helped during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Since the COVID-19 crisis began, air cargo has been a vital partner in
delivering much-needed medicines, medical equipment (including spare parts/repair
components), and in keeping global supply chains functioning for the most time-
sensitive materials. This has been done through dedicated cargo freighter
operations, utilization of cargo capacity in passenger aircraft, and relief flights to
affected areas.
Recent data from the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) – even amidst small signs of recovery – revealed that global
volumes fell 6.6% in November compared to 2019; and international cargo
down a comparative 7.7%.

47
 Short-term shipping demand fueled by the coronavirus pandemic mixed
with the unabated growth of e-commerce, not to mention the congestion and
capacity limitation experienced in other modes of transportation, has led to a
structural logistics challenge that individual air cargo stakeholders can’t face alone.
Air freight – from the airlines to the air freight forwarders on down – needs to
become more unified and to operate like the integrators. But attempts at
coordinating the different stakeholders have been frustratingly slow, inevitably
failing to make a significant change with squabbles over who should bear the brunt
of investment.
Air cargo has tremendously helped in distributions of vaccines, transportation
of raw materials for the manufacturing of vaccines, transporting patients from one
place to another even if they are in a critical stage. Distribution of medicines. Most
importantly the role of air cargo in the distribution of Oxygen, when the country
fell short of it has been a big boon.

References:
Menzies Bobba: https://local.google.com/place?
use=srp&id=8521308745695978612
Future trend of cargo:
https://www.iata.org/contentassets/95ea6854c763444d9a6f46004e46c374/stb-
cargo-white-paper-cargo-facility-future.pdf
https://www.aircharterservice.co.in/about-us/news-features/blog/eye-on-the-
horizon-a-look-at-the-future-of-the-air-cargo-
Aviation History:
Wikipedia.
Air cargo handling in India:
https://www.aai.aero/en/content/cargo-0
https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/moca_001669.pdf
Cargo operators at BIAL:
https://www.bengaluruairport.com/
Impact of Covid :
https://www.willistowerswatson.com/en-IN/Insights/2021/01/covid-19-impact-on-
the-air-cargo-industry
48
Cargo Handling Process:
https://www.supath.net/air-cargo-handling-process/
AISATS: https://analyticsindiamag.com/how-air-india-sats-digitised-airport-
operations-across-india/
Cargo Equipments: https://www.thomasnet.com/products/air-cargo-handling-
equipment-690206-1.html
Cargo Screening: https://www.smithsdetection.com/insight/aviation/breakthrough-
air-cargo-screening-technology/

49