Cathay Pacific and Unilode Aviation Solutions have successfully concluded trials for next generation track and trace services with OnAsset Intelligence.
The trial to enable end-to-end shipment tracking with real-time information using Bluetooth low-energy (BLE) beacons in the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal in Hong Kong focused on the practicality of using wireless devices in the multi-storey, concrete surroundings of the cargo terminal.
Results proved successful and have enabled the airline to prepare for a proof of concept with actual shipments.
Next-generation track and trace is part of Cathay Pacific’s digital strategy to help answer the industry’s needs for greater transparency in airfreight.
The ambition is to provide customers with real-time tracking of their cargo shipments with multi-dimensional readings, and the use of BLE means data can be captured automatically.
Cathay Pacific general manager cargo service delivery, Frosti Lau says: “It’s important to explore technologies that work towards the air freight industry’s aim of offering both customers and operators transparency and data accuracy throughout the entire supply chain.”
Unilode chief executive officer, Benoit Dumont says: “Our recent field trial with Cathay Pacific proves that our approach to digitalisation, including benefit realisation and technology choices, is on the right track to provide the industry with sustainable and compliant unit load device (ULD) tracking data and services. Unilode is committed to explore other digital initiatives for Cathay Pacific within 2018.”
