Amerijet re-invents ULD loading

The Miami, Florida-based cargo airline has presented a new approach to aircraft container loading, taking the process to the next level. Its tool is the result of a jointly conducted Proof of Concept (PoC), based on technologies developed by provider, Quantum-South. The system enables maximized tonnage and greater revenues, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Quantum-South’s solution features an Aircraft Load Optimization module, designed to augment container placement aboard Amerijet’s 24 freighters. It assists the airline in maximizing the weight and volumes of shipments secured in the main and lower decks of its cargo aircraft, by way of Center of Gravity (CoG) optimization. Rafael Sotelo, Quantum- South’s Co-Founder & President, doesn’t claim that his company has ‘re-invented the ULD loading wheel’, but says that the Proof-of-Concept phase has demonstrated “the significant potential of our cutting-edge solution in optimizing cargo load factors. We are excited to continue working with Amerijet International and uncovering more optimization opportunities to further enhance their operations.”

The concept is based on a broad database
During the trial, Quantum-South collected and examined data from 451 Amerijet cargo flights. Their tool identified loading alternatives that increased payload by up to 30% and volume by up to 76% [sic!]. For instance, Quantum-South successfully replaced a previous load plan consisting of containers such as PAGs and PQAs with an optimized plan utilizing a variety of containers such as AKEs, TYPE A-1, TYPE A FRONT, and TYPE A AFT units. Its ULD loading and transport solution was seamlessly combined with Amerijet's cargo management system, powered by the SmartKargo backend application, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the carrier’s cargo operations.

Optimizing capacity utilization
Eric J. Wilson, Amerijet International Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), stresses that “this substantial enhancement in cargo load factor can greatly enhance revenue per flight and increase opportunities for customers through more efficient use of capacity. We are pleased with the PoC project's outcomes and foresee potential benefits across multiple areas.”
The CCO went on to say: “Optimizing flight load plans and augmenting process efficiency helps us provide the best capacity offering to our customers while maximizing the load of every flight. Quantum-South's solution has the potential to bring significant benefits to our operations [and] reduce emissions. We look forward to further collaboration to uncover more optimization opportunities.”
Currently, Amerijet operates a mixed fleet of Boeing 757 and 767 freighter aircraft, providing cargo services from its primary hub in Miami (MIA), to 48 destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico, Central, and South America, and Europe. The carrier’s global network reaches 476 destinations via all major airports in Europe, Asia, South Africa, and the Middle East, with seamless and transparent transportation solutions for customers shipping time-sensitive, valuable, hazardous, and temperature-controlled commodities. At its homebase, MIA, the airline runs a warehouse comprising 33,500 m², and a perishable center offering 3,700 m² for the handling of temperature sensitive goods.

Cooperation with Maersk Air Cargo
In mid-2022, Amerijet and shipping line, Maersk, signed an agreement wherein the U.S. carrier operates transpacific flights on behalf of Maersk between North America and the Far East. Three B767-300 freighter aircraft are deployed on these routes. The Copenhagen, Denmark-based box carrier received the B767 newbuild freighter aircraft from Boeing and outsourced their operation to Amerijet. Partnering with Maersk represented a major expansion of Amerijet’s footprint, tapping into the Asian market for the very first time.
Only recently, Amerijet pilots represented by the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), approved a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The vote comes after Amerijet’s leadership team and ALPA agreed to the terms, which include new pay rates and work rules that would increase schedule flexibility.

Heiner Siegmund

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