Amerijet, Quantum-South successfully complete air cargo optimization project
Amerijet International, a cargo carrier operating from Miami International Airport, and Uruguay-based logistics technology firm Quantum-South announced they successfully completed a joint proof of concept (PoC) project focused on leveraging aircraft loading optimization to enhance cargo load factor and revenue per flight.
Quantum-South, whose co-founder and President, Dr. Rafael Sotelo, has spoken at past IQT events, previously developed an application that used quantum computing techniques for air cargo optimization. Earlier this month, the company unveiled an enhanced version of that application, which featured capabilities such as:
Unit Load Device and Pallet Load Optimization: The software optimizes the cargo build-up process using precise dimensions and weight obtained at acceptance, resulting in an efficient utilization of cargo space and maximizing certain business rules like the priority of packages to be transported.
Aircraft Load Optimization: By intelligently optimizing the aircraft load, the software ensures optimal utilization of resources, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
Fuel Optimization: Quantum-South’s software addresses the critical aspect of fuel consumption by optimizing the location of the center of mass, resulting in significant cost savings and environmental benefits.
The Aircraft Load Optimization module is designed to optimize container placement to maximize transported weight, volume, priority mix, or revenue mix, with a focus on Center of Gravity (CoG) optimization. Additionally, an Air Cargo Bin Packing module selects shipments for each flight to optimize the booked priority, with container assignment and precise instructions on how to build the container such as the location and order of placement for each piece in the shipment.
Quantum-South’s solution was seamlessly integrated with Amerijet’s cargo management system, powered by the SmartKargo backend application, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of cargo operations. During the PoC project, Quantum-South examined data from 451 flights, and identified loading alternatives that increased payload by up to 30% and volume by up to 76%. 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 like AKEs, TYPE A-1, TYPE A FRONT, and TYPE A AFT units.
Eric J. Wilson, Amerijet International Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “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.”
Quantum-South’s Sotelo added, “The project’s success at Miami International Airport
demonstrates the significant potential of our cutting-edge solution in optimizing cargo load factors. We are excited to continue working with Amerijet International and uncover more optimization opportunities to further enhance their operations.”
Amerijet also plans to explore automated planning of areas such as oversize cargo, consolidated cargo, bulk cargo space, and B757 configurations.
“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,” added Wilson. “Quantum-South’s solution has the potential to bring significant benefits to our operations, increase revenues and reduce emissions, and we look forward to further collaboration to uncover more optimization opportunities.”
Image caption: Quantum-South has been working on container load optimization for air cargo since becoming a finalist in the 2019 Airbus Quantum Computing Challenge.
Dan O’Shea has covered telecommunications and related topics including semiconductors, sensors, retail systems, digital payments and quantum computing/technology for over 25 years.
