Etihad Cargo deploys ‘Bluetooth Low Energy’ to improves cargo visibility

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics division of UAE flag-carrier Etihad Airways, has opted to use logistics software system specialist Descartes’s Bluetooth Low Energy container monitoring system to offer greater visibility of conditions of air cargo during the shipping process as well as insight into ULD handling processes. Descartes’ Internet of Things (IoT)-based Bluetooth Low Energy solution, integrated with Jettainer’s unit load device (ULD) management services, are expected to enable Etihad Cargo’s ability to see where ground and ULD handling processes might be improved while also gaining data concerning the ambient conditions of airfreight in transit. The Bluetooth tags are fixed to containers or pallets, mobile applications and mesh networks to automate the end-to-end tracking of these assets, said release. Such tags fixed to ULDs prior to loading onto an aircraft enable easy access to real-time location data and information on the cargo’s condition within, offering data on conditions such as temperature, light, humidity and movement. They also offer ‘chain of custody’ detail that indicates in whose custody assets are at any given time. Tags can also be added to any ground service equipment (GSE), like dollies, for visibility of a freight carrier’s handling equipment.