Smart Cargo Transport
Cargo plays an important role at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AAS). The significant air cargo volume (1,28 million in 2009) makes AAS a cargo mainportAt the knowledge and innovation Agenda “Seamless Cargo” possible innovations on the cargo handling process are reviewed.
Transportation of cargo from piers to cargo terminal is part of the handling procedure. Significant process improvements are expected with a more efficient use of ground handling equipment.
At the moment, multiply ground handling companies (KLM, Cargo, Menzies World Aviation, Aviapartner, Swissport and WFS) use their own equipment, like tractors and dolleys (cargo trains). In general, cargo trains go full to the aircraft and empty back to the terminal and vice versa. The number of cargo trips is expected to reduce with the development of a smart routing system.
Approach
The goal of the project is to reduce congestion on airside and airside roads by a more efficient use of cargo transport equipment. Additional advantage is a better utilization of the scarce space at airside. The research investigates different alternatives for the current cargo transport situation between aircraft and cargo terminal. Furthermore, alternatives should realize substantial economic benefits for the parties involved.
Measurements at airside are made to analyse the current situation. The intensity and speed of vehicles at Amsterdam Airport are measured. Also the route choice and route departure are analyzed with GPS track & trace. Alternatives in the current handling process are modeled and tested with the software simulation package ARENA. Three alternatives are tested:
- Implementation of a information system
- Route choice / making better use of the viaduct
- One ground handler for Schiphol
Results
The results of the simulation model show that the implementation of an information system improves the number of trips significantly. Furthermore, the viaduct isn’t used very often at this moment. If cargo trips are moved to the viaduct, the congestion at airside is spread more evenly. Finally one ground handler at Schiphol doesn’t improve the number of trips as much as expected. Additional advantages of this research are reduction on equipement, personnel and CO2. The results of the study are taken into account for potential improvements with regard to cargo transport.
