As the sector grapples with increased e-commerce growth, stricter environmental regulations, and the growing complexity of international trade, the pressure to streamline processes and enhance efficiency has never been greater.

While innovation in aviation is often synonymous with cutting-edge aircraft design, it’s the behind-the-scenes logistics and ground operations that have the potential to revolutionise air cargo. The Digital Testbed Air Cargo (DTAC) by Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics initiative is aimed at overhauling three critical pillars of air cargo operations: digital data exchange, AI-driven decision-making, and the automation of processes. These areas are essential for a sector that needs to not only move goods faster and more efficiently but also reduce its environmental footprint in line with international climate goals.

“The Digital Testbed Air Cargo aims to enhance the efficiency of the air cargo transport chain by leveraging advanced technologies like ONE Record, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation. We are looking not just at national solutions but also international ones, especially in the context of data exchange and collaboration,” Dr Harald Sieke, Head of Aviation Logistics at Fraunhofer, explained.

The initiative focuses on integrating digital tools that can streamline the flow of information throughout the cargo chain, thereby eliminating bottlenecks and reducing delays. By improving the visibility and accessibility of data, the project hopes to lay the groundwork for a more agile and responsive air cargo network—one capable of meeting the demands of a globalised market.

ONE Record

Key to the digitalisation efforts is ONE Record, a solution developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as the future global standard for air cargo data exchange. This ambitious initiative aims to replace outdated communication methods with a modern, streamlined system for data sharing.

“In support of this, we have developed NE:ONE, an open-source solution that enables users to easily set up their own ONE Record server. NE:ONEis more than just a server; it encompasses a suite of tools, including NE:ONE Play, a linked data browser, and NE:ONETag, a solution designed to display relevant data at critical process steps.”

These tools are instrumental in promoting, educating, and demonstrating the benefits of ONE Record to various stakeholders well before IATA’s target date.

“By providing these open-source solutions, we are enabling the industry to adopt ONE Record more quickly and efficiently, thus accelerating the digitalisation of air cargo logistics.”

However, digital data exchange is just one piece of the puzzle. Fraunhofer is also betting on AI and machine learning to unlock new efficiencies within the air cargo sector. According to Dr Sieke, AI-driven decision support tools can play a pivotal role in optimising resources.

“AI and machine learning allow us to predict future scenarios by analysing historical data and external factors like weather conditions. This enables more intelligent, automated resource planning, which can minimise bottlenecks and improve accuracy,” Dr Sieke explains.

In an industry where a delay of a few hours can mean significant financial loss, the ability to anticipate disruptions and optimise routes could be a game-changer. Machine learning can also help the industry better manage fluctuations in demand, optimising staffing levels and fleet usage to ensure a more responsive supply chain.

Enter the robots

In a sector long dependent on manual labour, the role of Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) is becoming increasingly important. As part of DTAC, Fraunhofer is testing how these robots can streamline cargo handling both on the ground and in terminals.

“AMRs can handle repetitive tasks that are time-consuming for human workers, improving throughput and reducing handling times,” says Dr Sieke.

“They can also work in sync with other automated systems, creating an ecosystem that requires minimal human intervention.”

Two sub-projects within DTAC are currently exploring AMR integration. The first focuses on apron transport, examining how robots can assist in ground handling operations, while the second looks at terminal handling efficiency. The results so far indicate that AMRs could be instrumental in reshaping air cargo logistics, enabling operations to run more smoothly, even as the volume of goods continues to rise.

While technological innovation is at the heart of DTAC, collaboration is equally critical. The success of solutions like ONE Record or AMRs hinges on widespread industry adoption, and Fraunhofer has been working hard to ensure that its advancements are not confined to a few key players.

“We actively participate in educating and building a community around ONE Record. By working closely with IATA and other international partners, we are ensuring that our open-source solutions are aligned with global standards.”

Standardsation remains a significant challenge in a highly fragmented industry, but DTAC is committed to pushing for universal standards that make it easier for players of all sizes to adopt these new technologies.

Although DTAC is still in its early stages, the project has already delivered promising results. AI algorithms have demonstrated their potential in predictive analytics, and Fraunhofer’s open-source ONE Record solution is helping more companies transition towards a fully digital cargo ecosystem.

“As the project evolves, we will continue to provide insights that help shape the future of air cargo logistics,” he added.