Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics (SPPAL) and Cathay Pacific Services have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for digitalisation of the cargo infrastructure at the Hong Kong airport. Innovative maintenance methods, such as predictive maintenance, and other levers are to be applied to the freight handling system installed by Siemens in 2013 to achieve smooth and even more efficient operation of the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal. This will help prevent expensive downtime of the conveying systems and thus enhance the system availability. Spare parts management will also benefit from this optimisation.

This project is to be implemented using Internet of Things (IoT) applications and advanced data analytics. The planned software solutions are based on MindSphere, Siemens’ open, cloud-based IoT operating platform.

“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding highlights our long-standing and trusting cooperation with Cathay Pacific Services Limited”, said Michael Reichle, CEO, Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics. “Our decades of experience in air cargo logistics, combined with our know-how in implementing digital solutions enable us to support the customer in further optimizing its process workflows and expanding its competitive advantage.”

Among other things, this agreement also covers the introduction of a standardized and secure method for real-time exchange of quality-assured data between various stakeholders at the airport. The contracting parties also aim to achieve energyoptimisation of the cargo handling system in order to reduce operating costs and to make a meaningful contribution to environmental protection.

“I am very pleased to enter into this cooperation with Siemens for digitalization of our materials handling system”, stated Jenny Lam, CEO, Cathay Pacific Services Limited. “Our main concern here is to continue to offer our customers excellent service. And we chose Siemens’ profound expertise and innovative software solutions in order to accomplish this.”