Air Cargo Terminals Research Articles

Reformation and optimization of cargo handling operation at Indian air cargo terminals

Air cargo terminals serve as crucial hubs for the efficient movement of goods across domestic and international borders. In India, these terminals come with many challenges, mainly attributed to extensive growth potential, diversity, and infrastructure development. This study discusses the challenges of Indian air cargo terminals and evaluates the factors, aspects, and criteria regarding air cargo problems under different conditions. Analytic Hierarchy Process with multiple criteria and five factors is used to better understand the complex decision process. We analyzed the air cargo utilization based on physical method, throughput capacity, and economic capacity. Results show that the developed methodology accurately forecasts the terminal's demand.

LOGISTICS OF TRANSPORT IN AIRPORTS CENTERS: A STRUCTURED LITERATURE REVIEW

This study has the purpose of bringing a verification about the logistics of transportation at the airport centers in Brazil through a literature review method using two databases (DOAJ and Scielo) to collect articles to create a portfolio that moved on into the thematic, analysis, and synthesis in the scientific production of logistics of transportation in the Brazilian Air Cargo sector. It was a literature review using two databases (DOAJ and Scielo), analyzing 33 articles related to the theme. After analyzing synthetically, the studies found, it was noticed that the studies directly related to the transport and distribution of goods are based on finding performance indexes within organizations or on the use of transport intermodality. The literature review used two databases (DOAJ and Scielo). This study presents suggestions for future scientific literary productions in the Logistics of Air Cargo, with guidelines for accounting costs, indices of logistical performance in air cargo terminals, and the application of tools to support decision-making within airport centers. It was possible to see the scientific production of the theme to better view the literature gaps about it and obtained suggestions for the production of future projects.

Trade-offs in the landside operations of air cargo hubs: Horizontal cooperation and shipment consolidation policies considering capacitated nodes

Landside operations in air cargo terminals consist of many freight forwarders (FFWs) delivering and picking up cargo at the capacity-constrained loading docks at the airport's ground handlers' (GHs) facilities. To improve the operations of the terminal and take advantage of their geographical proximity a small set of FFWs can build a coalition to consolidate stochastically-arriving shipments and share truck fleet capacity while other FFWs continue bringing cargo to the terminal in a non-cooperative manner. Results from a detailed discrete-event simulation model of the cargo landside operations in Amsterdam Aiport showed that all operational policies had trade-offs in terms of the average shipment cycle time of coalition FFWs, the average shipment cycle time of non-coalition FFWs, and the total distance traveled by the coalition fleet, suggesting that horizontal cooperation in this context was not always beneficial, contrary to what previous studies on horizontal cooperation have found. Since dock capacity constitutes a significant constraint on operations in air cargo hubs, this paper also investigates the effect of dock capacity utilization and horizontal cooperation on the performance of consolidation policies implemented by the coalition. Thus, we built a general model of the air cargo terminal to analyze the effects caused by dock capacity utilization without the added complexity of landside operations at Amsterdam Airport to investigate whether the results hold for more general scenarios. Results from the general simulation model suggest that, in scenarios where dock and truck capacity become serious constraints, the average shipment cycle times of non-coalition FFWs are reduced at the expense of an increase in the cycle times of FFWs who constitute the coalition. A good balance among all the performance measures considered in this study is reached by following a policy that takes advantage of consolidating shipments based on individual visits to GH.

How Blockchain and IoT-Based Decentralized System Solves ULD Rental Problem of Airlines

This study is devoted to ULD (Unit Load Device) rental among airlines and air cargo terminals at airports through data exchange. When airlines want to rent their partner airline's ULD, they use it after receiving data through its ULD inventory management system. This paper proposes a de-centralized ULD rental solution by combining blockchain technology and IoT (Internet of Things). The airline that wants to rent a partner airline's ULD checks the available inventory information before use and pays the amount according to the time of service. In addition, the smart contract specifies the remittance status to activate IoT on the ULD. Airlines that supply ULDs for partner airlines first create inventory information to provide services. Airlines that want to rent ULDs can check availability and remit rental costs according to usage time in cryptocurrency. The ULD rental service ends when the usage time is over. This ULD rental solution allows all airlines rent out their ULDs to partner airlines in real-time. Also, when a specific airport runs out of its own ULD, it is possible to overcome the difficulties of inventory shortage by renting the inventory of partner air-lines.

A study of criteria for air cargo terminal classification model

For global air cargo movement from airport to airport, the air cargo terminal is a key success factor of airlines and air cargo transport. This study is aimed to explore important criteria at air cargo terminals on the new integration of relevant and reviewed variables from academic researches and International Air Transport Association's regulated standards. To examine variables, the investigation of criteria significance is based on opinion and endorsed by 57 air cargo terminal operators covering 474 terminals around the world. Thereafter, the methodology is to evaluate the endorsed criteria and employs principal component analysis for criteria reduction onto correlation and similarity conditions by factor loading scores above 0.6. The remaining criteria are finally re-validated by aviation experts executed into nine main criteria with 44 sub-criteria. Moreover, the finding of air cargo terminal classification model is tested to cluster air cargo terminals in Thailand's major airports with the results of three classifications. Also, guidelines with factor loading scores from significant criteria are developed for air cargo industry for business investment and decision making purposes.

A study of criteria for air cargo terminal classification model

For global air cargo movement from airport to airport, the air cargo terminal is a key success factor of airlines and air cargo transport. This study is aimed to explore important criteria at air cargo terminals on the new integration of relevant and reviewed variables from academic researches and International Air Transport Association's regulated standards. To examine variables, the investigation of criteria significance is based on opinion and endorsed by 57 air cargo terminal operators covering 474 terminals around the world. Thereafter, the methodology is to evaluate the endorsed criteria and employs principal component analysis for criteria reduction onto correlation and similarity conditions by factor loading scores above 0.6. The remaining criteria are finally re-validated by aviation experts executed into nine main criteria with 44 sub-criteria. Moreover, the finding of air cargo terminal classification model is tested to cluster air cargo terminals in Thailand's major airports with the results of three classifications. Also, guidelines with factor loading scores from significant criteria are developed for air cargo industry for business investment and decision making purposes.

Improving the Sustainable Competitiveness of Service Quality within Air Cargo Terminals

In Taiwan, the air cargo terminal business is a government franchise. Due to changing order and delivery modes, the volume of cargo exports has gradually decreased in recent years, generating increasing competitiveness within the air cargo terminal industry. Previous studies of air cargo terminals have largely focused on manpower supply planning and business performance. When a company pursues sustainable development and growth, it can improve the quality of the service provided, promote better customer satisfaction and enhance its competitiveness and customer loyalty in order to enjoy sustained development and higher profits. Having carried out a literature review, exploration and interviews with experts, this study develops a preliminary structure that is based on theory and practice and develops a framework for air cargo terminal service quality using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method combined with the analytic network process (ANP). Eight key criteria are examined, namely, ‘New facilities or high-tech equipment,’ ‘Professional spirit,’ ‘Security and safety,’ ‘Sense of trust,’ ‘Ability to handle unusual cargo,’ ‘Professional,’ ‘Standard operation processes,’ and ‘Customer equity.’ The causality among each of these principles is also evaluated using the D-ANP questionnaire that was completed by 25 business forwarders. With respect to the quality of service demanded by forwarders, different strategies were drafted separately and provide a frame of reference for air cargo terminal operators.

Coordinated Airport Facility Development under Uncertainty

This paper presents an applied computation tool for coordinating various airport facility expansions and gives explicit consideration of the impacts of various uncertainties. An airport is modeled as a system consisting of components (e.g., runways, air cargo terminals, and maintenance facilities) that operate in series or in parallel. To balance (i.e., equalize) roughly the capacities of the components acting in series, the paper proposes a network flow formulation in which interactions between user flows and facilities are modeled. In addition to the uncertainty in air traffic forecasts, the effect of an uncertain aircraft mix is also considered. The final model is a stochastic mixed-integer nonlinear program that is converted to its deterministic equivalent because the number of stochastic scenarios is finite. An interactive solution framework is proposed to solve the problem after the problem's properties are explored. Numerical studies were conducted to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed model and effectiveness of the solution algorithm. Prospective work includes application of the proposed development approach to a real-world case study.

Relocating a Multiple-tenants Logistics Center: Lesson Learned from an Air Cargo Terminal Relocation Project

Moving a logistics center while assuring uninterrupted operation is a complex process. The task is even more complex as the relocation project intersects with the concerns the multiple stakeholders. Defining a proper plan to ensuring smooth transition execution is key. Stakeholders conditioning, infrastructure and facilities readiness, human resources, and the logistics operation transition plan are some of the concerns that have to be considered when defining the relocation action plan. Several relocation scenarios have to be developed and assessed before defining the final relocation plan. In this case study, we share our first-hand empirical experience in preparing an action plan for relocating an operating air cargo terminal of one of the biggest airports in the south-east Asia. The paper offers two main contributions. The first one is the air cargo center relocation framework which elaborated important sequences in translating the facility relocation objectives into the final relocation action plan definition. The second contribution, is the conceptual model of air cargo center relocation planning process which portrays the interdependencies and the contingencies among different aspects of the relocation components.

Time-dependent performance approximation of truck handling operations at an air cargo terminal

This paper provides an analytical solution for the time-dependent performance evaluation of truck handling operations at an air cargo terminal. The demand for loading and unloading operations is highly time-dependent and stochastic for two classes of trucks. Two heterogeneous handling facilities with multiple servers are available to handle trucks assuming exponentially distributed processing times. Trucks are routed to a handling facility depending on the current state of the system upon arrival. To approximate the time-dependent behavior of such heterogeneous queueing systems, we develop a stationary backlog-carryover (SBC) approach. A numerical study compares this approach with simulations and demonstrates its applicability to real-world input data.

A flow allocation strategy for routing over multiple flow classes with an application to air cargo terminals

Advances of information technology have enabled the utilization of automated material handling systems in the logistics industry. The increasing costs of labor in developing countries have accelerated this trend. Major cargo terminals are now installing more and more integrated automated shipment handling systems in order to increase their operational efficiency which can be measured by the average shipping times or the facility throughput, for example. Routing is clearly an important decision category that has significant impact on the operational efficiency. In this paper, motivated by a project with one of the busiest air cargo terminals in the world, we investigate a routing optimization problem for multiple flow classes with different levels of priority. We propose a flow allocation (FA) routing strategy in which when a shipment arrives at a decision point, a set of allocation ratios will be employed to direct it to the next location. These ratios are determined by solving a mathematical model that explicitly considers the congestion effect and the characteristics of the multi-commodity network. Comprehensive simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed FA routing strategy significantly outperforms the one currently in use.

New process development from the theory of creative invention: application in logistics management of airport cargo

Within the scope of logistics, studies about air transportation have brought high relevance since this is a mode of transport with significant growth rate in recent years and considerable economic and social contribution. In this context, the air cargo terminals are strategic components for logistics, however, present a few data, especially when it comes to the analysis of ground services. This study uses the TRIZ methodology to identify the limitations and possibilities of innovation in logistics operations of an airport terminal cargo. The results demonstrate that the adoption of strategies could significantly improve storage of loads in storage disposition and thus the operational quality. Other results are presented in order to reconcile theory and practice on the gaps identified. As a suggestion for future research, is proposed to implement the proposals in a larger amount of actual cases in order to be evaluated results and quantitative implications.

Shift designs for freight handling personnel at air cargo terminals

This paper presents an integrated mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for determining manpower requirements and related personnel shift designs for the build-up and break-down of the unit load devices (ULDs) at the air cargo terminal to minimize manpower costs. To utilize the manpower resources efficiently, we implement a new mechanism for demand leveling. In addition, we consider the qualification hierarchy between build-up and break-down workers. A case study based on the real-life data shows that the model is useful for manpower planning at air cargo terminals and the integrated approach is far superior to a traditional two-stage approach.

Applying RFID to reduce delay in import cargo customs clearance process

The study explores the customs clearance process of import cargos in international air cargo terminals, and constructs a network to analyze cargo, information and human flows in the import cargo process. Then, the study formulates a mathematical model of the customs clearance process-delay, and analyzes delay propagation in subsequent cargos. Moreover, the network of the customs clearance process is reconstructed based on the application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The performances of RFID are evaluated in terms of reductions in shippers’ inventory cost and operators’ labor cost. A numerical example of Taiwan Air Cargo Terminal (TACT) at the Chiang Kai-Shek (CKS) International Airport is used to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed model. The analysis of cargo processing at TACT shows that cargos arriving earlier at TACT take less waiting time and less clearance time than ones arriving later. RFID application can markedly improve the efficiency of cargo process, and can save the inventory cost and labor cost. A combined strategy that carries out a modified dispatching rule and RFID application at the same time brings the greatest benefit to TACT. The sensitivity analyses show that the total benefit of applying RFID increases as cargo delay cost, terminal handling capacity, and/or storage cost increase, indicating that RFID technology is appropriate for handling those cargos with high value of time.

Short-term shift setting and manpower supplying under stochastic demands for air cargo terminals

A good air cargo terminal manpower supply plan helps terminals deal efficiently with their cargos and reduces their operating costs. To design a good air cargo terminal manpower supply plan, a terminal has to consider not only its operating costs, but also the uncertainty of the manpower demand in actual operations. However, most air cargo terminals in Taiwan currently depend on staff experience with a fixed demand when establishing the manpower supply plan, which is neither effective nor efficient. We have developed two stochastic-demand manpower supply plan models for air cargo terminals that can resolve stochastic demands occurring in practice. The objectives of both models are to minimize the total man-hour cost, subject to the related operating constraints. The models are formulated as integer/mixed integer linear programs. To evaluate the two stochastic-demand models under stochastic demands, we have also developed two deterministic-demand manpower supply plan models, by suitably modifying two stochastic-demand models, respectively, and an evaluation method. Here, we perform a case study using real operating data from a Taiwan air cargo terminal. The preliminary results are good, showing that the models could be useful for planning air cargo terminal manpower supply.

Development of timed Colour Petri net simulation models for air cargo terminal operations

This paper presents the development and the application of simulation models for air cargo terminal operations. As air cargo volume is fast increasing in recent years, air cargo terminals which handle cargos for carriers face challenges to streamline their operations. Air cargo terminals employ diverse storage media and are also equipped with various material handling equipments. Due to the complex and stochastic nature of terminal operations, which makes formulation of analytical model difficult, in this study, simulation models are developed to analyze the air cargo terminal operations. We first employ timed CPN (Colour Petri nets) to model the terminal operations, and then the corresponding simulation model will be developed. In order to validate this simulation model, we run the model based on actual cargo retrieval schedules obtained from an air cargo terminal. The results show that this model provides a good estimate of the terminal performance. The model is then employed to analyze the performance of the airline assignment policy for the objective of minimizing the cargo processing times, and the results show that the proposed policy significantly improves the operational performance of air cargo terminals. Second, the simulation model is employed to analyze the performance of an AS/ RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System), and the performance of the proposed storage policy is compared with that of the current policy. The simulation experiment also validates the optimal parameter value from the analytic model. The developed models simulate air cargo terminal operations effectively and efficiently, and will aid future studies in the design and control of terminal operations.

The workload balancing problem at aircargo terminals

We consider a large air cargo handling facility composed of two identical cargo terminals. In order to improve the operational efficiency, the workload must be balanced between the terminals. Thus, we must assign each airline served by the facility to one of the terminals such that (ideally): (1) each terminal has the same total workload, and (2) the workload at each terminal is distributed evenly along the timeline. Complicating the problem is that cargo loads are difficult to predict (stochastic). We develop a stochastic mixed integer linear program model in which a weighted sum of the balance measures is minimized. We employ sample average approximation for the stochastic program and develop an accelerated Benders decomposition algorithm to reduce the computational time. The proposed model can also be applied to partially reassign the airlines for the operational schedule changes. The computational results show that a small number of reassignments are often sufficient to rebalance the workload. The simulation results based on data from a large international airport show that the proposed algorithms efficiently balance the workload and the cargo service time is consistently reduced.

Long-term manpower supply planning for air cargo terminals

Four strategic models, combining different manpower supply principles, flexible management strategies and related operating constraints, are developed to help an air cargo terminal manage its long-term manpower supply more effectively. The models are formulated as integer/mixed integer linear programs, which are solved using a mathematical programming solver. To evaluate how the models perform in practice, a case study, utilizing the operating data of a domestic air cargo terminal in Taiwan, is conducted. The preliminary test results show that the four models are efficient and effective, and could be applied to actual operations.

Joint scheduling of material handling equipment in automated air cargo terminals

This paper develops a joint approach to solve the problem of integrated scheduling of different types of material handling equipment in a typical automated air cargo handling system. Due to the nature of the operations, the schedules for different cooperating equipment are highly interactive. In order to formally describe the interactive properties of cooperating equipment, an event framework for the specification of an automated cargo handling system and a model for the integrated scheduling for more than one type of cooperating equipment is developed. A heuristic algorithm, known as the extended maximum-matching algorithm (EMMA), is proposed to solve the joint scheduling problem. The performance of the proposed EMMA is evaluated via extensive numerical studies. Experimental results show that the EMMA can be readily adapted to real-world applications.

Policy evaluation for storage and retrieval of loose cargos in air cargo terminals

This paper addresses storage assignment policies for loose cargos that need to be stored temporarily in an automated storage system and retrieved later for buildup in an actual export air cargo terminal. Standard sized bins are used to store loose cargos in various sizes as they are lodged in. The storage assignment is concerned with how cargos of different flights are assigned to the bins. A quantitative model is developed to evaluate the effectiveness of a current policy and some proposed policies in which flights are grouped according to a few time zones and cargos are assigned to bins associated with the respective groups. It is shown that the proposed policies significantly reduce the expected number of handlings as well as the duration of the average cycle time of the bins. The result is further complemented by a simulation study in which parameters are set according to an actual flight schedule.