Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Cargo has entered into a proof-of-concept agreement with SPEEDCARGO to test its AI-powered products to boost cargo capacity on flights.

Martin Drew, SVP sales and cargo at Etihad Aviation Group, said the plan is to assess whether implementing the Singapore-based tech provider’s CARGO EYE and CARGO MIND products could boost efficiency, productivity and revenue returns.

CARGO EYE, developed with Microsoft’s Time-of-Flight sensing technology, captures imagery of incoming cargo and calculates accurate dimensions based on cargo type, size and packaging in real time, seamlessly integrating the data into existing warehouse management systems. This digital solution then feeds data into CARGO MIND to accurately build load plans, monitor and promote data compliance, and identify damaged cargo to reduce potential claims.

“By maximising cargo across flights and ULD container configurations according to internal loading rules, Etihad Cargo can boost capacity by more than 3,000 tonnes a year, equating to a significant increase in revenue yield,” explained Drew.

Etihad said it will integrate the digital technology solutions into its operations next year.