Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT) is to introduce a radio-frequency identification (RFID) ULD tag for pre-packed cargo at Hong Kong International Airport.

The company began using the technology to facilitate customers and streamline the cargo acceptance process, from 25 July. It says the process is streamlined to achieve “higher operational efficiency and time-saving benefits”.

Previously, operations for cargo acceptance of pre-packed shipments required two levels of manual data entry at the truck dock and identification point (i-point), before weight and contour for the shipment was entered into a cargo management system (CMS) and supervisory control system.

AAT says by applying the RFID technology on the ULD tag, the data entry process will only take once at the truck dock area. Once the tag has been tied on the pre-packed shipment, data will be automatically captured when the shipment passes through the i-point. The new technology speeds up the cargo acceptance process by 45 seconds per shipment.

AAT explains data accuracy for the cargo acceptance process is also ensured with human errors being eliminated as usually the ULD tag is written by hand where cargo acceptance operators write shipment information on the tag, including flight number, weight, contour and destination, at the truck dock area.

AAT general manager, Kuah Boon Kiam says: “We are very pleased to have another innovative product brought to our valuable customers in this year. This RFID technology could definitely bring a new milestone for the air cargo industry in Hong Kong.

“Along with our highly reliable cargo operation team, AAT will continue to service our customers with increased efficiency.”