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WORLD ACW Digital is sponsored by AIRPORTS.COM FREIGHTERS.COM
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05/03/2020 15:40
The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,074
30 March 2020
Art for airfreight’s sake
LHR: use available capacity in fight against COVID-19
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INSIDE DELTA HITS THE ‘PAUSE BUTTON’
IN a memo to all Delta employees, CEO Ed Bastian outlined additional steps the company is taking to endure the COVID-19 crisis. He wrote: “First ... PAGE 2
Logistics companies had already been importing key equipment such as COVID-19 testing kits via LHR ondon Heathrow will be stepping up its cargo capabilities as it calls on more airlines and freight companies to maximise the use of the hub airport’s quieter schedule so that the aviation industry can play its part in the economic and social fight against COVID-19. Airfreight will keep vital supply lines open and help to get time-critical and temperature-sensitive goods, such as medical supplies and food across the UK as the country pulls together to battle this pandemic. Heathrow’s cargo movements are forecast to increase by 53%, as more airlines and freighters use the available capacity to transport goods which will assist in the fight against coronavirus. This figure is set to increase further as the airport scales up its cargo operation.
Pharma products are one of Heathrow’s top imports, with the airport handling 41% of the UK’s pharmaceutical imports (by value). In 2019, over 12,000 tonnes of medical supplies such as medicines, vaccines, sanitisers, syringes and respirators travelled through Heathrow. During normal operations, Heathrow is the UK’s largest port by value. 34% of the country’s cargo travels through the airport, with the majority of that cargo (95%) being carried in the belly hold of passenger planes. Whilst passenger travel remains restricted for many, airports will continue to play a key role in keeping the UK’s supply chain alive. Heathrow CEO, John Holland-Kaye, said: “This is an unprecedented time for the international community, with COVID-19 requiring us all to work together, adapt and adopt extraordinary
SAUDIA’S PROACTIVE STEPS
SAUDI Airlines Cargo has taken proactive steps to ensure the continuity of all cargo and supply operations and the arrival of necessary goods ... PAGE 3 DAMCO’S NEW LHR WAREHOUSE
measures to quell the spread of this virus. For the first time in a decade, our airport has additional capacity in its schedule, capacity which we’ve begun to see used to help push vital supplies across the globe to help support frontline teams in
the battle against this pandemic. “We stand ready to support the country through this crisis. Our intention is to remain open at all times to serve those passenger flights that will continue to operate.”
In light of the recent worldwide events surrounding Covid-19, the staff at Azura International would like to reassure our readers and advertisers that we are attempting to mitigate the effect of the virus on the production of our range of media products for the global airfreight industry, continuing to produce them at our usual high quality standard.
We are working remotely and can be contacted in the normal ways. We will continue to bring you daily news via our website aircargoweek.com. We appreciate this is an unprecedented time and we are committed to working closely with all our readers, advertisers and stakeholders in this unique situation. Stay well, keep calm, be kind.
LUFTHANSA Cargo has selected IBS Software’s industry-first ‘zero outage’ SaaS solution to host andmaintain its iCAP cargo handling application ... PAGE 4
Q & A WITH DR PAUL RIVERS
THE annual AirCargo conference was held in Nashville across January 26-28 at the Omni Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. The event, held by the ... PAGE 6
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COVID-19 crisis as it unfolds ... SMART Airports Cargojet takes measures to Delta hits conference & exhibition keep supply-chains moving the ‘pause postponed IN light of the current situation, San Antonio International Airport has taken the decision to postpone the upcoming SMART Airports Conference & Exhibition, due to take place in San Antonio, Texas in April. The event will be rescheduled and take place Monday 2 to Wednesday November 4 2020. By November, Jesus H Saenz, director or airports at San Antonio Airport System (SAAS), notes: “November is a great time to visit our beautiful and vibrant city!” “The 2020 SMART Airports and Regions Conference will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn from a host of specialised presenters on innovative strategies in airport design, construction and development, commercial development, real estate and non-aeronautical revenue, customer service excellence and community engagement. We’re looking forward to sharing our vision with you and sharing some of our world-famous warm and welcoming San Antonio hospitality,” said Saenz. The November conference is expected to attract over 500 airport industry leaders, represent over 50 countries and host over 90 airport/ industry expert speakers.
THE 2020 Farnborough International Airshow, due to take place in July, has been cancelled. Organisers say: “The global coronavirus pandemic has forced this decision. It is impossible for us to create and host the Airshow this July.” The show is planning to return in 2022.“
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ONTARIO-based Cargojet has introduced a set of measures to help customers manage higher volumes and keep the flow of goods moving within and across Canada and the US. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed lives for all Canadians, says Pauline Dhillon executive vice president marketing, government and public relations. The situation remains fluid and businesses are adjusting to this new reality on a day-by-day basis. The need to keep the supply-chains moving is more critical than ever. As physical stores either temporarily shut down or limit their hours, Canadians are increasingly depending on delivery services to fulfil their essential needs. “Cargojet is a critical service provider in the Canadian supply chain and is experiencing significantly higher demand and volumes from e-Commerce and health care and
essential supplies. We are taking several significant steps to ensure that we can continue to play an important role in fulfilling this increased overall demand,” says the airline. Regarding the hygiene, safety and security of cargo: “We have rolled out enhanced health checks at each of our facilities and are working with our teams to increase cleaning, sanitsing and disinfecting procedures throughout our network including our aircraft, cargo containers, packages and facilities.
Hand washing “We are following public health guidelines of frequent hand-washing and social distancing to keep our teams safe and productive. “We are redeploying aircraft that are currently serving International scheduled and charter routes back to our Canadian Overnight net-
Book now, says Caribbean Airlines Cargo CARIBBEAN Airlines Cargo has introduced the option to schedule advanced booking for future shipments. The cargo sector of the major Caribbean airline says that they will continue to optimise their operations given the impact of COVID-19 on to international trade. The airline schedules flights that run weekdays reaching locations in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and the US. Meanwhile, Caribbean Airlines has temporarily suspended its Tuesday and Thursday freighter flights, which run respectively from Miami to Kingston and Miami to Port-of-Spain, via San Juan. These suspensions are a direct result of the impact of COVID-19 is having on regional and international trade, says the carrier.
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work and to support the integrated supply chains of Canada-USA-Mexico routes which are essential to maintain timely access to essential supplies. “We are preparing to handle additional volumes through our day time flights in case volumes exceed the overnight network capacity on certain key routes. We are well equipped and planning to handle any surge in volumes should that be necessary by adjusting schedules and routes. “Our network supports key gateways to the Northern communities some of which are only accessible by air. “With significant curtailment in passenger airline capacities, moving cargo to the Northern communities is even more important. We are paying special attention to ensuring that supply-chains to Northern communities remain strong,” says the airline.
UK’s Multimodal 2020 set for new November date
ORGANISERS of the annual Multimodal exhibition in the UK have consulted stakeholders and made the decision to postpone Multimodal 2020 at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) to November 4 - 6 2020. Organisers told stakeholders they thought this would come as no “great surprise” as they revealed that a number of stakeholders were keen to keep the planned dates but: “despite strong support from our stakeholders the increasing level of uncertainty, travel bans and individual concerns due to coronavirus mean that we would not be able to deliver the show that we expected to deliver. “We look forward to working with you to bring an even bigger and better Multimodal in November.”
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IN a memo to all Delta employees, CEO Ed Bastian outlined additional steps the company is taking to endure the COVID-19 crisis. He wrote: “First and foremost, I want to remind everyone of the importance of your health and safety. Following the national emergency that was declared by the US president, demand for travel has dropped significantly. Revenue for the month of March is now expected to decline by almost $2 billion over last year, with our projection for April falling even more.” He continued: “We are having constructive discussions with the White House and Congress, and remain optimistic that our industry will receive support to help address this crisis. That said, we have to continue to take all necessary self-help measures. Cash preservation remains our top financial priority right now. Making swift decisions now to reduce the losses and preserve cash will provide us the resources to rebound from the other side of this crisis and protect Delta’s future.” The airline is deferring nearly all of its capital spending, including all new aircraft deliveries, he continued, until there is better clarity on the duration and severity of the situation. “In addition, we are looking to secure more than $4 billion in cash savings in the June quarter alone. This will include capacity-related savings as we suspend flying.
ASM gets their skates on for post-Brexit systems
100% pay cut “All Delta officers will take a 50% pay cut through June 30, with directors and managing directors taking a 25% cut during that same period,” he wrote. He continued: “I’ve cut my own salary by 100% through the next six months. We are reducing our active fleet size by parking at least half of our fleet – more than 600 aircraft. We also will be accelerating retirements of older aircraft like our MD-88/90s and some of our 767s. “As we draw down our operation, I know how painful it is to essentially hit the “pause button” on so many things that are core to what we do for our customers and our mission to connect the world. But what will never stop is the spirit of the Delta people, which is shining through brighter than ever even in this dark moment. Make no mistake – we will get through this. This is a temporary health crisis and an end will, hopefully soon, be in sight.”
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RACCA flies the flag for air cargo on Capitol Hill STAN Bernstein, president, and Tim Komberec, chair of the US-based Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) has asked its 50-airline membership to contact Washington to ensure the industry’s voice is heard in the passage of the Aviation Workforce Protection and Stabilization Act. They published a pro forma email for memebrs to send to legislators. Subject Line: URGENT! Include regional cargo carriers in Aviation Work force Protection and Stabilization Act
Dear ____ ____ Air Cargo is now deemed a part of America’s critical infrastructure and is especially important to delivering medical suppl ies and essential goods to rural communities. As the Aviation Work force Prote ction and Stabilization Act makes its way through Congress, the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) asks that it be included in any airline relief package so our members can continue their vital duty in making the deliveries so critical to society during this crisis. The 50 member airlines of RACCA are an integ ral part of the end-to-end shipments of important medicines and medical suppl ies. Thus, it is important to include regional cargo carriers – Part 121 and Part 135 cargo and mail carriers – in any relief package passed for the urgent COVID-19 respo nse. XX Airline is headquartered in XX and (copy /paste the About US page on your website) As president of a small business suppo rting XX employees and their families, I urge you to include [Name of your airlin e] and all regional cargo carriers in the bill so that we can continue serving the thousands of Americans from rural communities who cannot be served expeditiou sly in any other way than by air cargo.
Hariri: Cargo operations maintain humanitarian and commercial services to safe destinations SAUDI Airlines Cargo has taken proactive steps to ensure the continuity of all cargo and supply operations and the arrival of necessary goods and products including medical equipment, medicine and foodstuffs, said CEO Omar bin Talal Hariri. The steps come in line with the official decisions, which excluded all cargo operations from suspension imposed on other business activities as part of the precautionary mea-
Recently, the International Air Transport Asso ciation (IATA), in urging governments to support the air cargo carriers, noted the industry acts as a “vital partner in delivering much-needed medicines, medical equip ment and is instrument al to keeping global supply chains functioning for the most time-sensitive materials.” This can only be accomplished, it said, through dedicated cargo freighter operations which provide much needed airlift relief services.
Whole world
As Americans are asked to self-quarantine, air cargo has become crucial to the delivery of on-line purchases to re-equip house holds with such items as paper products, over-the-counter medicines and food. Given the dramatic cancellation of nearly 190,0 00 passenger flights, dedicated air cargo has become the only resource to make up for this capacity loss. RACCA carriers operate 800 aircraft every night in Part 121 and Part 135 operations on behalf of the three major integrator s – UPS, FedE x and DHL and the US Postal Service. We urge you to help support this important industry by including air cargo carriers in the Aviation Work force Prote ction and Stabilization Act. Sincerely,
authorities have taken, which permitted the cargo operations and the flow of goods to run uninterrupted,” Hariri explained. All cargo flights to Europe will continue through Frankfurt and Liège stations in addition to Dhaka station. Work at these stations is run as scheduled in order to mitigate the impact of the imposed suspension aiming to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The decision suspending passenger flights as a preventive measure has made Saudia Cargo operate a number of additional cargo flights to Dubai and other destinations because all cargo operations on passenger aircraft came to a complete halt.
sures the Kingdom has taken to prevent a coronavirus outbreak. “We have high-level co-ordination with all related parties as per the recommended precautionary measures the Saudi health
“Saudia Cargo staff work around the clock as part of the company’s national responsibility and regional role in enhancing logistics during these circumstances which the whole world is going through,” he said. Saudia Cargo, he stressed, always acts based on the official decisions, instructions and directives so that it can ensure an alignment between meeting the humanitarian needs and protecting the public safety. Cargo flights will continue to operate on a humanitarian and commercial basis and cover certain key commercial and safe ports and cargo stations around the world.
WFS expedite medical supplies in Italy IATA thanks regulators for their flexibility WORLDWIDE Flight Services’ (WFS) team at Milan Malpensa Airport are expediting the handling of time-sensitive materials that are destined for hospitals and medical centres in Italy. The fast tracking of medical supplies will support the fight against coronavirus in one of the worst effected areas in the world. Supplies have been processed immediately and dispatched to hospitals in Milan, Venice, Padoa and Siena. This included handling cargo on board China Eastern Airways charter flights from Shanghai to Milan, which carried 20 tonnes of medical equipment and supplies. “This also included a team of doctors to help deal with the crisis, which has already claimed the lives of over 3,400 people in Italy.
“Cargo handling specialists at airports around the world are playing a vital role in helping governments and the healthcare sector deal with the urgent medical response to the outbreak of Covid-19. “In Milan, we were able to ensure that by 8pm on the day medical supplies had arrived, they were delivered to Protezione Civile, Italy’s emergency agency, to be distributed to various hospitals. “We are ready to support more such flights to ensure life-saving equipment reaches patients as quickly as possible. “This is one of the ultimate examples of the important role the airline and cargo handling industries play at times of national and international crisis,” Massimiliano Introini, managing director of WFS in Italy has commented.
THE International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed decisions taken by aviation regulators to provide flexibility to airlines and flight crew during the Covid-19 crisis. “Safety is the industry’s top priority. Countries have a well-established licensing system to ensure this. Airlines and their employees are facing an unprecedented challenge in coping with the business and operational impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. “In this extraordinarily difficult environment, we are grateful for actions to ease regulatory requirements that do not impact the safety of flights,” said Gilberto Lopez Meyer, IATA’s senior vice president of safety and flight operations. IATA is also offering help for airlines whose IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) cannot
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be performed owing to COVID-19 travel restrictions that make it impossible for auditors to visit airlines, or because of other circumstances related to the current crisis. Extensions of IOSA audits are being offered for periods of up to six months, however airlines will be required to complete an IOSA safety questionnaire at a minimum of every 60 days during the extension period. OMAN Air will suspend all flight operations between Muscat and Istanbul, Turkey between March 25 and March 31. The suspension comes in reaction to new travel restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of Covid-19. The move will especially affect belly cargo travelling between the two countries.
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Heidi Capozzi to leave ... as Boeing Boeing as Livingston shutters plants under steps up ... state of emergency BOEING has announced that Heidi Capozzi, senior vice president of human resources will leave the company in early April to pursue another opportunity. She joined Boeing in 2009 and since 2016 has led the company’s leadership and learning, talent planning, employee and labour relations, total rewards, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. “For more than a decade, Heidi has demonstrated a deep commitment to engaging and inspiring our people, strengthening our culture and supporting our business,” said Boeing president and CEO David Calhoun. Following an orderly transition, Wendy Livingston, currently vp corporate human resources, will replace Capozzi on an interim basis until a permanent successor is named.
BOEING suspended production operations at its Puget Sound area facilities in light of the state of emergency in Washington state. The actions were taken to ensure the well-being of employees, their families and the local community, and will include an orderly shutdown consistent with the requirements of its customers. The suspension began on Wednesday, March 25, at sites across the Puget Sound area. The suspension of production operations was due to last 14 days, during which Boeing continued to monitor US government guidance and actions on COVID-19 and its associated impacts on all company operations. During this time, the company conducted additional deep cleaning activities at impacted sites and established rigorous criteria for return to work.
DAMCO’s new LHR energy-efficient warehouse
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AMCO has moved into a new 3,600 sq m energy-efficient warehouse at London’s Heathrow Airport as part of ongoing investment in its airfreight offering. The freight forwarder has moved its airfreight operations into offices at the North Feltham Trading Estate, within three miles of Heathrow’s cargo terminal, to support a growing customer base of leading UK retailers. The bonded facility’s environmental credentials include a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating of Excellent and a Grade A Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). “We are working with our clients closely to help reduce their CO2 footprint,” said Anthony Akerman, managing director, UK and Ireland, DAMCO. “Their focus on a triple bottom line to satisfy the goals of finance, environment, and ethical and social drivers to create sustainability means we need to remain creative in our approach.
“By utilising our new facility, we will help to reduce CO2 on air shipments by consolidating clients’ cargo at origin in order to book on direct flights rather than use transhipment hubs. “This allows us to kill volumes on the shipments, providing similar non-direct pricing for cargo that actually flies on a direct flight, reducing the CO2 footprint. “By choosing a new build, we were able to ensure a more energy-efficient facility, benefitting from solar power on the roof and electrical charging points for our vehicles, and we have invested in recycled office furniture.” The new facility, which is open seven days a week, is located at SEGRO Central Spacewaye in the North Feltham Trading Estate. “With its prime location close to Heathrow Airport, excellent road connections and quality of workspace, Central Spacewaye provides a compelling proposition to occupiers, particularly those committed to a robust sustainability agenda,” said Alan Holland, business unit director, Greater London, SEGRO.
Online management platform for forwarders CARGOGUIDE has officially unveiled its new online management platform, which aims to increase transparency and efficiency in the freight forwarding sector. The new Cargoguide enables forwarders to compare accurate airfreight rates including surcharges, create better rate calculations, create and send custom quotes and also track and manage sales opportunities. “We believe the freight forwarding process should be transparent, neutral and conducted within a fair market. “Cargoguide is the next step in helping make that a reality,” commented Bas van der Putten, Cargoguide’s growth manager.
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“This is an exciting time for us and for digital technology in the wider freight forwarding sector. “It is however a challenging time for many freight forwarders and carriers, as they look to meet the demands of modern customers while remaining competitive. “That’s where Cargoguide can add real value. We understand that forwarders and carriers need a platform that connects them through rates and that is continuously innovating and growing with them. “The transparent rate calculations and accuracy of Cargoguide’s data is unique and truly sets us apart from other platforms.”
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Global connections from Down Under BUILT in 2015, Australia Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport currently holds the title of the country’s newest airport and Queensland’s only dedicated B747-8F international freighter service. Located on Australia’s East coast, the airport is 150km from Brisbane and has both passenger and cargo capacity. THE project was completely funded by the notable Toowoomba, Queensland Wagner family, with construction of the project costing A$250 million. There are already plans to expand the site, with the most recent addition to The Wellcamp Business Park being the Wellcamp International Air Cargo Centre (WIACC), which has received a government grant covering $10 million out of the $16 million building costs. Promoters describe the development as “representing a spirit of audacity and excellence, Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport is creating an exciting, opportunity filled future, with new possibilities and connections for the people of Queensland.” The facility will be 3,500 sq m and will host various temperature-controlled rooms inside to accommodate for any freight that is temperature and/or light sensitive and as well as security screening. Wellcamp are conscious of the environmental impact of the construction. Earth Friendly Concrete (EFC) was used during construction of the airport apron and turning nodes. As well as having high tensile strength, low shrinkage and good workability characteristics, using this product reduced CO2 emissions by 6,600 tonnes across the whole project. LED lighting was also used throughout the airport, including on runways and taxiways, which reduces power consumption and long-term maintenance costs. Cargo capacity of the airport expects to grow to handle about 25,000 tonnes a year of imports and exports, which will mainly be perishables, aviation cargo and mining and resources. Due to the fact the site also has facilities to handle oversized cargo, dangerous goods, as well as livestock, the airport will be used to help ease the load of cargo that was before flown in to larger airports such as Brisbane and Sydney. They will also facilitate exports of perishables to Asia, which leave on a weekly Cathay Pacific freight service
from Wellcamp. So far, the airport has created 60 operational staff member jobs, and more jobs indirectly throughout the region. Since opening, Wellcamp is seeing a lot of new local companies sending product overseas which previously, due to a shortage of logistics support, have not had an opportunity to. In the near future it anticipates that larger freighter aircraft will be
‘It’s only fitting that a leader in the world logistics market would choose to work with Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport when needing to deliver freight into South East Australia in an expedient manner,” says Robert Kasch, general manager at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport. Not only does Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport offer direct access into south-east QLD, but with the opening
operating from the airport. They will accommodate export goods, but also have a strong focus on imports. Wellcamp airport is a prime destination for carriers as, due to its size, there are few issues with slot availability, no time curfews and cheaper airport operating costs/fees.
of the new Toowoomba Bypass, road access for freight transport across the eastern seaboard of Australia is now more efficient than ever before. Kasch continues: “The efficient handling of our weekly 747-8F Cathay Pacific Freighter service as well as proven success in handling adhoc charter movements, such as the recent An-12, has shown the international logistics market that the airport is a major player in the airfreight industry.” Dispatched with an international order for the Australian Government, the quick handling by the team at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport saw the 757-200F unloaded within 90 minutes, and the international crew disembark and clear Border Force in time to enjoy a well-deserved rest in a hotel in Toowoomba.
Ad-hoc On September 21 2019 another new freight arrival, Aviastar-TU Airlines, landed. A long-term partner of the largest world cargo carrier, DHLExpress, Aviastar-TU Airlines carries express cargo, freight and mail air delivery across Russia, Europe and China, offering individual and effective solutions in freight, maintenance and aircraft leasing to their customers.
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‘We are extremely proud of our team and the continued growth in capability at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport,” says Damian Bell, executive general manager at Wagner Corporation. “We are excited about the growth of our business and are always pleased to demonstrate our capability to handle a wide range of aircraft.” On July 30, 2019 the first-ever mill relining machine was exported from Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport. Built in Toowoomba, the 35-tonne CHINO Russell mill relining machine was bound for New Mexico, USA and was loaded onto the weekly Cathay Pacific freighter service at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport. Shipped in three pieces, the machine was transported to Hong Kong before connecting with a freight flight to Los Angeles and onward to its final destination in New Mexico.
Real horsepower Just over a year ago, in February 2019, Equine International Airfreight
(EIA) exported a large consignment of thoroughbred racehorses for the first time. Twenty-one thoroughbred horses, that were purchased through the Magic Millions Sales, on the Gold Coast, underwent pre-export quarantine requirements in preparation for their export from Australia. They arrived at Wellcamp a few hours before their departure time for some final health checks before being loaded onto the weekly Cathay Pacific Cargo service freighter bound for South Korea via Hong Kong. The horses were loaded into air stables that can comfortably fit three large horses in each container. During the flight, they were monitored by experienced, professional flying grooms and provided with feed and water. EIA managing director Cameron Croucher added: “Moving horses from Australia is not uncommon, but it is uncommon to be moving horses directly out of Queensland to an overseas destination. This is largely due to the limitation of scheduled freight plane services that generally operate only out of Sydney or Melbourne airports. “We have been working on this for quite some time and we are delighted that Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport has been so supportive to ensure the correct equipment and facilities are available to us to be able to transition the horses from road transport and onto the aircraft.”
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WAREHOUSE AUTOMATION
Q & A with Dr Paul Rivers CEO, Guidance Automation ACW: What are the company’s plans for product development in the future? Software is at the forefront of development in most automation companies and ours is no exception. Laser scanning technology is still very important in the current product range, from localisations (indoor GPS) to safety. However, we drive a vehicle with two eyeballs, to give us some depth perception, so going forward there is no reason why navigation and local control of autonomous vehicles shouldn’t come from the developments in 3D camera technology. This requires further work in the software and artificial intelligence. The majority of our efforts to date have been looking at indoor electric vehicles and turning them into autonomous versions of themselves. This has been our business for the last 25 years. There has long been a desire within the warehouse industry to have a driverless vehicle which could work both inside and outside. The sensors which are fitted on driverless cars to allow them
to work on public roads are far more expensive than the indoor equivalents. Indoor vehicles tend to work in environments where the human workers can be trained in their operation, and so gain an understanding of how they will interact when the two approach each other. Also there are no problems with rain, snow or bright sunshine and the vehicles in warehouses move much slower. If humans are mixing in the same areas, speed is usually set to walking speed, 1 or 1.2 m/s. If humans are excluded from areas, then the vehicles can move at a jogging pace to increase efficiency, maybe 2 – 2.5 m/s. We recently completed a prototype for a client which has the required hardware to work outdoors and hence with the added ability to move between two warehouses in close proximity. This uses the software that we have, but with more advanced laser technology which is able to deal with sunlight and longer ranges. We see this as the start of technology that could be used at docksides
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during container loading and unloading, to move the containers around, and similarly to move cargo to and from an aircraft stand to and from the warehouse.
ACW: How will these developments change the traditional warehouse facility? Automation will develop the warehouse in a couple of ways, such as being able to move goods from building A to building B which will increase the range of automation and the scope of what can be done. Vehicles can work with traffic lights and barriers for example, and so can be safe to operate in semi-controlled areas. Automation also allows for aisles to be squeezed closer together. The use of cameras as ‘vision’ tools will make the picking and dropping process easier, such as identifying the pallet pockets when trying to collect goods. Currently the systems work on knowing exactly what height you are collecting from and an accurate x,y coordinate. The same technology can read barcodes on packaging and potentially stock take on the way up and down the aisles. ACW: Does GA think it is realistic that there will be opportunities for people whose jobs become void to be re-trained to enable them to continue working in the industry? When elevators were first introduced, there was a lift operator. Now we all find the process easy as we only have to press a button and everything else is autonomous. There are still a lot of processes that the human can currently do better than a machine. The actual picking process is still very expensive to automate. Humans are very dexterous, have lots of sensors in our hands etc.. We know how to pick up a banana for example and not to drop it. Equally a tennis ball doesn’t need the same treatment, nor a pack of rice. Some items can be handled more ‘roughly’ than others. But like cars, these robots need to be maintained – cleaned, repaired and new parts fitted. These are a host of jobs that are available and will be simplified – a lot of work goes into vehicle design being easy to repair. People need to programme the routes of vehicles, so similar to programming a CNC machine.
ACW: What is the competition like, how are GA different? The expansion of driverless cars and the need for automation has seen a boom in start-ups, spin-outs and even the traditional vehicle manufacturers all spending lots of money on this area. Some of the effort is in the software, some in hardware, each company has its own focus. GA works to be a consultancy to vehicle makers. We help our clients convert existing vehicles to autonomous versions. ACW: Are there any plans to expand to new markets and sectors? Our plan is to expand our operations for outdoor applications in airports, docks and ‘between warehouse’ vehicles.
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ACW: How has the response been to these products? Are small/big companies reluctant to make the transition to automation? There are two ways of integrating automation. You can build a new facility and plan the automation from the beginning. The layout of the facility is designed to work well with as much automation as can be added. It is very specialist and very expensive, but will give a return on investment quickly if used to the right capacity. Most companies have an existing facility and want to ‘try’ adding some automation. They like the idea of having one or two vehicles brought into the facility to ‘see’ how they work, let the staff engage with them etc. The problem with this in the short term is that it can be very expensive to add a single-vehicle. Maps have to be created, hardware has to be installed, some changes need to be made to the operating environment and some integration with existing software/processes.
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A beautiful body perishes, but a work of art dies not. Leonardo da Vinci
Why did the chicken cross the globe? PRETTY AS A PICTURE
By Yasmin Turner
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stablished in 1972, London-based forwarder Momart are a highly regarded British fine art storage, doorto- door transport and installation company. They have transported fine art across the globe for collectors, galleries, museums and artists and are trusted partners to respected galleries, auction houses, artists and museums, including world-renowned institutions such as the V&A, Tate, British Museum and the Royal Academy of Art. Notably works transported by the company include some by Leonardo da Vinci, Damian Hurst and Antony Gormley.
“We have a duty of care to ensure that a work we handle and ship can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Precious cargo Transporting such precious cargo is high risk. “Whether worth 80p or £80 million, owned by an individual or an art institution, all items in the care of Momart are treated with the same care and respect,” Anthony Lo, airport and security manager at Momart explained. In-depth planning and good communication through the transport chain are fundamental in ensuring work can cross the globe and be received in the same condition it was sent. “We have a duty of care to ensure that a work we handle and ship can be enjoyed for generations to come,” says Lo. He describes transporting Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi as a highlight of the job. The 500-year old painting was stumbled upon by a New York collector who bought it for $10,000 in 2005. In 2008, it was authenticated as da Vinci’s own and restored by Dianne Dwyer Modestini. The restoration proved controversial as many criticised it as a repainting rather than an inpainting. The piece was sold in 2013 for around $75 million to Yves Bouvier, who subsequently sold it to Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev for $127.5 million a few months later. On 15th November 2017, the painting was sold at Christie’s for $450 million, making it the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. For obvious reasons the security process remains confidential but Momart maintains full airport supervision throughout the transportation chain with trained personnel in place to oversee all movements through all UK and EU airports. In 1993, Momart was granted the Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen for their work with the Royal Collection, involving the handling and movement of national treasures and fragile, irreplaceable objects. “Museums and institutions sometimes opt to send employees, usually art handlers, conservators or registrars, to act as onboard couriers,” says Lo. “Couriers travel with the works for insurance purposes, to check the condition of the works upon arrival to their destination and to install or supervise the installations of the works. “We design and build all our art shipping crates in-house and choose the most suitable packing solution according to the type and condition of the artwork and the mode of transport to be used. On occasion, art institutions like to put monitors in with shipments to gauge vibration, temperature, humidity and also location of the packed artworks. Art crates protect the works from environmental, manual or mechanical hazards: however museum environment temperatures are not possible to be sustained in the airplane
his underpants staring at a chicken. “The artwork was not only fragile but part of it also included natural feathers, which are an organic material and as such fall under special restrictions when being shipped internationally. New Zealand has particularly stringent wildlife import regimes. “Fortunately, on this occasion, the artist and the client consulted Momart at a very early stage as to the possible ways of transporting the sculpture. “We were therefore able to advise on the necessary phytosanitary documentation, arrange for a specialist gamma irradiation treatment for the feathers and a species identification certificate before the sculpture was even made. “Our in-house case making and art packing department, in consultation with the artist’s studio, prefabricated a set of specialist art shipping crates which got accurately adjusted once the artwork was photographed and ready for packing. “After crating, all elements of the sculpture were transported to London Heathrow airport and, under the supervision of Momart airport operations team, loaded onto the aircraft for their final trip to the Gallery in New Zealand,” Lo recalls. “Thanks to the co-ordinated effort of Momart teams: account manager, case-making and packing specialists, and airport supervision team, the artwork passed smoothly all customs procedures and was safely delivered to its final destination.”
Anthony Lo
Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi hold and clients are aware of this.” To execute these logistical feats Momart rely on experience and team expertise. “From case fabrication and packing to transportation and installation/de-installation of objects, a skilled art technician is always present,” say Lo. All Momart’s airport team members are ex-airline, which enables them to use their knowledge and experience to provide a bespoke service, he says.
Creative logistics “With works of art being a non-standard ’product’ we often need to be creative to come up with most suitable methods of protecting and shipping them,” Lo explains. Momart has to think outside of the box when it comes to moving this art, like the Trafalgar Square Fourth Plinth thumbs up, Really Good by David Shirgley or Antony Gormley’s iron figures titled LAND that were installed at five landmark trust sites. “Sometimes difficulties arise with the size or weight of the artwork, sometimes it’s about the age and fragility of certain pieces and sometimes it’s about the individual components that the artwork is made of,” he says A recent art piece shipped by Momart was titled Chickenman, by Ron Mueck and travelled from the UK to New Zealand. The piece was a realistic large sculpture of a man in
Ars gratia artis Most visitors to art galleries and exhibitions and even art conessiours, have little idea how the beautiful examples of artwork they are admiring are moved around the globe. Professionals like Lo and his team are entrusted with priceless artworks on a daily basis to transport thousands of kilometres intact and undamaged. They have made safe forwarding into an art form.
Presumed self-portrait of Leonardo (c. 1510) at the Royal Library of Turin, Italy.
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