Real-time Air Cargo Optimization

Queue Reduction

EUROSKY is an ambitious and highly successful initiative to increase security and efficiency in air cargo logistics.

Perhaps one of the most innovative aspects of the EUROSKY project is the combination of security enhancement and logistics optimization, using MJC²'s real-time logistics planning tools.

The EUROSKY solution enables hauliers, cargo handlers and airlines to optimize their operations and benefit from the Single European Secure Air Cargo Space. 4 major European airports have been involved in EUROSKY - Athens, Bologna, Lisbon and East Midlands.

Furthermore, the ever-increasing use of e-AWBs allows the EUROSKY solution to promote collaboration between logistics partners along the supply chain, delivering increased efficiencies.

Integrated Real-time Optimization

Improving Cargo Flows and Reducing Queues

Queue reduction at busy terminals, increased throughput for cargo handlers, reduced costs for hauliers and increased utilisation for carriers are just some of the benefits coming out of the EUROSKY success story.

A quick survey of the industry supports the need for such advancements: the continuous pressure on cost and service level, combined with bottlenecks and congestion at major cargo terminals, leads to a very challenging environment.

A major benefit of the EUROSKY system is the ability to encourage collaboration between freight forwarders, hauliers, cargo handlers and airlines.

For example a common theme on social media and in industry news is queuing and bottlenecks at airports, which are costly to the individual operator and to the wider industry, not only from the financial perspective but also in terms of agility, flexibility and image.

Encouraging Collaboration

Data sharing initiatives are not new but common objections are "who goes first?" and "who bears the cost?". A key feature of the EUROSKY approach is that, even if a single operator implements the optimization solution they benefit directly and immediately from the investment, without being dependent on other parties to cooperate.

However, once two parties have implemented complementary EUROSKY solutions, the two systems can talk to each other to deliver even greater mutual benefits through information exchange and collaborative planning.

Ground Transport Optimization

The real-time logistics optimization algorithms exploit e-AWB data exchanged between two operators. For example, a haulier company moving freight to and from the airport can use the software to plan and optimize the truck and driver movements to and from the airport.

This is particularly relevant for complex freight forwarding and parcel networks which manage large numbers of interconnecting movements - optimization of load fills and minimising empty running and wasted driver hours can lead to massive operational cost savings.

Real-time tracking and monitoring of the trucks, and dynamic replanning of work in response to delays and operational issues is important for operations of all sizes. This in itself means that EUROSKY delivers substantial benefits to the truck operator.

Handling and Screening Scheduling

Similarly the cargo handler can use the EUROSKY real-time cargo handling optimization system to schedule the flow of freight through the handling process (unloading, documents, screening, loading, etc.), maximising the utilisation of equipment, warehouse space and people to deliver good service to the airline while reducing operational costs.

Again, this in itself is a major benefit, easily justifying the investment in the technology. However, if the haulier and cargo handler now choose to collaborate by sharing information in real-time, both parties benefit further. Visibility leads to better planning of resources which in turn leads to faster turnaround times and quicker processing of freight.