WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH enhancing ULD handling efficiency at Birmingham Airport

Air Cargo Equipment: Swissport BHX Case Study "The system has noticeably char we manage daily operations, par by automating key stages of the handling process. " J |i|Bl» Cargo Operations @ Lufthansa Cargo

Air Cargo Equipment: Swissport BHX Case Study Introduction jolodahydraroll introduction Rising air cargo volumes and time-sensitive operations demand efficient ground handling systems that improve throughput, safety, and scalability. At Birmingham Airport (BHX), a major ground handling provider required a solution to optimise its ULD handling process, especially for freighter aircraft with large payloads. Joloda Hydraroll delivered a comprehensive air cargo handling system that integrated Powered Rollerbeds, Roller Decks, Mobile Workstations, and a Castor Deck field. This case study outlines...

t: Swissport BHX Case Study The Client jolodahydraroll the client i\ CONTAINER F Swissport International Ltd is a global leader in ground and air cargo services, operating at approximately 300 airports across 45 countries. The company handles over 5 million tons of air cargo annually across 117facilities. 78 IH@ ca"hoansa The solution was installed in their Birmingham Airport (BHX) who operates air cargo services for a wide range of freight types, spanning perishables, e-commerce, time-critical shipments including pharmaceuticals and perishables and general cargo. The BHX site handles a mix of...

Air Cargo Equipment: Swissport BHX Case Study The Challenge The site handles high volumes of cargo from dedicated air freighters, each capable of transporting up to 39 ULDs. The handling process was previously reliant on forklifts to move ULDs across the warehouse from truck docks to airside dollies. The key operational challenge they face is to handle inbound and outbound cargo efficiently, particularly during peak overnight windows, is essential to minimise aircraft turnaround times and ground time. For outbound shipments, ULDs are built up in-house and must undergo several compliance procedures,...

Air Cargo Equipment: Swissport BHX Case Study layout of the facility restricted how quickly cargo could be transferred from airside dollies into the warehouse. • Peak-time bottlenecks: High volumes of overnight and express shipments often led to delays during peak periods and could not get quickly temporarily stored. • Fragmented weighing process: ULDs had to be weighed separately, introducing extra steps and slowing the overall workflow. The site required a flexible system that would integrate with existing infrastructure, automate key steps, and streamline compliance for export cargo, while...

Air Cargo Equipment: Swissport BHX Case Study The Solution jclodahydraroll the solution Joloda Hydraroll installed a suite of modular air cargo handling equipment designed around the existing warehouse footprint and futureproofed the site for growing cargo volumes. As a result, the installation reduced manual handling, streamlined ULD movement, improved safety and enabled increased throughput. The system needed to integrate with existing infrastructure, such as a 20ft Truck Dock supplied by AirTech, who Joloda Hydraroll partnered with in 2024. Powered Rollerbeds: Installed at the critical interface...

Air Cargo Equipment: Swissport BHX Case Study The Solution jclodahydrcxroll the solution • Walkways and Handrails were installed to provide designated safe access for staff, enhancing onsite safety and helping to enforce safe routes through operational areas. • Safety Barriers act as physical separation between staff and moving ULDs, reducing the risk of contact injuries and supporting compliance with health and safety protocols. Roller Decks: To link the Castor Deck to the Powered Rollerbed, standard Roller Decks were installed. These Mobile Workstations set at a height of 508mm and can be moved...

Air Cargo Equipment: Swissport BHX Case Study the solution propagate across the entire system. Technicians require training on only one PLC system, minimising complexity and errors, while spare parts management is simplified due to reduced variation. storage or outbound loading, with easy movement of cargo across the width of the warehouse and for loading into trailers. The centralised setup also allows for easier implementation of redundancy and backups, improving reliability. Consistent PLC logic, developed by a dedicated inhouse team, it provides uniform performance, and the system’s architecture...

Air Cargo Equipment: Swissport BHX Case Study "There have also been changes in the working environment, with fewer forklifts in use and clearer walkways contributing to a more organised and potentially safer Cargo Operations

Air Cargo Equipment: Swissport BHX Case Study System Features jclodahydrcxroll system features 1. Automated ULD Movement Powered Rollerbeds automate the movement of ULDs, significantly reducing manual handling and improving both the speed and consistency of cargo transfers. 2. Dolly Connection Zones: Enable smooth transfer of ULDs from airside dollies to the warehouse system, reducing handling steps and improving process flow. The number of Castor Deck positions was intentionally chosen to enable quick, temporary storage of a larger number of ULDs, allowing faster unloading of freighter aircraft....

Air Cargo Equipment: Swissport BHX Case Study the benefits of implementation The integrated solution delivered immediate improvements. The flow of cargo across the warehouse, from Truck Dock to storage or outbound trailers, was significantly improved, with fewer manual steps and reduced congestion. 1. Improved turnaround speeds: especially during peak freighter arrivals. 2. Increased cargo throughput: due to faster ULD movement and in-line weighing. 3. Enhanced safety: with fewer forklifts in use and clearer warehouse walkways. 4. Operational flexibility: Through modular layout and slave pallet...