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World's First Air Cargo Terminal Equipped With Intelligent Cargo Thermal Detection System to Enhance Aviation Safety

12/14/2023

Aerovision Technology Limited (ATL) and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) have signed a collaboration agreement to install ATL’s patented intelligent cargo thermal detection system at suitable locations within Hactl’s SuperTerminal 1. It is also the world’s first air cargo terminal equipped with an intelligent cargo thermal detection system, which will further enhance the safety and reliability of cargo inspection to address the increasing volume of hazardous air cargo and mitigate potential fire risks.

The collaboration agreement was signed on 14 December 2023, at Hong Kong Asia World-Expo by Ir Dr. Angus Cheung, CEO of ATL, and Mr. Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive of Hactl. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Michael Wong Wai-lun, Deputy Financial Secretary of HKSAR Government, Mr. Cui Xiaofeng, Deputy Administrator of Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and over 1,000 guests.

The newly introduced intelligent cargo thermal detection system, developed by ATL through innovative and patented technologies, holds significant importance in the safe handling of air cargo. By combining advanced thermal imaging technology, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, ATL has overcome the limitations of existing thermal energy monitoring techniques. The system can monitor the temperature of different cargo materials in various environments in real-time and quickly identify any abnormal conditions, triggering alerts.

The introduction of the intelligent cargo thermal detection system will further enhance the reliability, safety, and service levels of Hong Kong’s air cargo industry. It will not only help prevent potential fire hazards but also reduce risks and losses faced by airlines, cargo handling companies, airports and passengers, enhancing the sustainable development of the aviation and logistics industries.

As part of the collaboration, ATL will provide comprehensive customised services based on the needs of Hactl, including system design, supply, installation, commissioning, training, and maintenance support. Additionally, the two parties will collaborate closely to explore new technologies and solutions to meet the future development and changing demands of the air cargo industry.

Richard Wu, Deputy Director-General of Civil Aviation Department (CAD) said, “Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest cargo and passenger airports in the world, with air cargo volume consistently ranking among the top globally for years. CAD shoulders the dual roles of aviation safety promoter and regulator. It has always encouraged the air transport logistics industry to be risk-based and is pleased to see locally invented innovative technology being adopted to further enhance the safety and reliability of air cargo handling in relation to the growth of e-commerce in Hong Kong. This is essential for the long-term success of Hong Kong and to maintain Hong Kong International Airport’s leading position as the world’s passenger and cargo hub as well as the busiest air cargo airport.”

Angus Cheung, CEO of ATL said, ” Many thanks to the Civil Aviation Department for providing important direction on this innovative research and development project. The collaboration between ATL and Hactl is exemplary to showcase the commitments from both companies to continue their investment for the future in research and development and adoption of locally invented technological products/solutions to further enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s aviation industry. This collaboration is important in maintaining Hong Kong’s position as the world’s busiest air cargo airport and will also set the new standard for safe handling of air cargo in future. “

Wilson Kwong, Hactl’s Chief Executive, added, “Hactl’s SuperTerminal 1 is the single largest air cargo terminal globally and an essential part of Hong Kong’s air cargo industry. We are committed to continuous development through the adoption of innovative technologies. This collaboration with ATL will introduce new cargo thermal detection technology to our terminal, further improving the reliability of cargo inspection, contributing to aviation safety and strengthening the operational resilience of our terminal. It also sets a new benchmark for the air cargo industry.”

Gerry’s dnata Expands Offering; Launches Line Maintenance Services in Pakistan

Karachi, Pakistan, 13 January 2022 – Gerry’s dnata, Pakistan’s leading ground services provider, has expanded its offering. The company obtained Maintenance Organization Approval from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority to provide aircraft line maintenance services to airline customers, and now offers a one-stop-shop of ground handling, cargo and technical services at the airports of Karachi (KHI), Lahore (LHE) and Islamabad (ISB). 

Gerry’s dnata’s team of professionals can provide full line maintenance support and are trained on customers’ company procedures, providing a seamless service to both passenger and cargo airlines.

The launch customer is flydubai, which Gerry’s dnata already serves at four airports in Pakistan providing a range of ramp and passenger handling services to the airline and its customers.

Syed Haris Raza, Vice President of Gerry’s dnata, said: “As Pakistan’s leading ground handler, we constantly enhance our offering to best meet the needs of our customers. We are confident that our airline partners will welcome the expansion of our portfolio and take advantage of getting quality and safe ground handling and technical services from a single provider. Our team of highly trained, seasoned professionals will deliver world-class quality and safety for our valued customers.”

Mick Hills, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance at flydubai, said: “We are looking forward to expanding our relationship with Gerry’s dnata to include line maintenance services in Pakistan. Having a single, local provider to oversee our line maintenance, as well as ground handling, will add more efficiencies to our fleet management and ensure a quicker turnaround of our aircraft.”

Gerry’s dnata have the capability to handle the following aircraft types for scheduled, unscheduled and AOG services:

  • Airbus A319/A320/A321 NEO (CFM LEAP-1A)
  • Airbus A318/319/320/321 (CFM56)
  • Airbus A319/320/321 (IAE V2500)
  • Airbus A330 (RR RB 211 Trent 700)
  • Airbus A330 (GE CF6)
  • Boeing B737-600/700/800/900 (CFM56)

Over the past year, Gerry’s dnata has continued to enhance its operations and services to deliver the highest level of quality and safety and help airline customers safely transport passengers and precious cargo to and from Pakistan. It made significant investments in infrastructure, technology and equipment, including the opening of a new, state-of- the-art cargo facility in Lahore which doubled the company’s cargo handling capacity at the airport.

Gerry’s dnata’s quality of service helped it win or retain over 20 contracts with key accounts across its network. The company also achieved prestigious industry certifications, including GDP and IATA’s ISAGO accreditation, which validate its capabilities and place the business in a market leading position.

Gerry’s dnata serves more than 20 airline customers at seven Pakistani airports. The company’s team consists of over 2,500 dedicated aviation professionals who assist more than seven million passengers and handle 150,000 tons of cargo annually.

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Contact
Gabor Vasarhelyi
Public Relations, dnata
[email protected]