Lödige Industries has completed an automated handling system for pallets and ULDs at Hong Kong International Airport for long-time partner Asia Airfreight Terminal. The system is designed for faster and safer transport of temperature-sensitive goods inside the operator’s cold chain facility.

Yammie Sin, chief marketing officer at Asia Airfreight Terminal, said the sector for temperature-sensitive goods is becoming a very important market for the ground handler’s customers.

“Seamless compliance with cold chain regulations is enormously important, so we are investing in the most reliable and efficient equipment for our new cold storage facility COOLPORT.

“This also allows AAT to offer services that were previously unavailable in Hong Kong International Airport, such as temperature-controlled truck docks, the ability to screen, build up and break down cargo entirely within a temperature-controlled environment.”

Lödige Industries, who planned, manufactured and implemented the advanced system, said the new palletized cargo handling system features modern and climate-resistant sensors in combination with an enhanced maintenance and control system to ensure an efficient and safe flow of fragile goods.

The German company, with regional offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, boasts of a proven track record in Asia Pacific with projects in Changi and Chengdu airport completed this year.

AAT awarded the contract to Lödige Industries in June 2021 and started operating its cold chain facility in July this year, which is fully certified with IATA CEIV Pharma, IATA CEIV Fresh, and WHO GDP Pharma accreditations. The two companies first worked together in 2006, which saw Lödige Industries handing over a sizable multi-level material handling system for AAT, which was modernised in 2018.