Air France KLM Martinair Cargo introduces vacuum lift – Air Cargo Week

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has introduced a vacuum lifting aid from Swedish company LiftsAll at its KLM Cargo Hub at Amsterdam Schiphol, following two successful trials. The system has been in daily use since 13 July for pallet breakdown operations.
• The technology is designed to reduce the physical strain on cargo handlers, assisting with the repetitive lifting and movement of individual boxes. Sensor measurements indicate that the system removes the lifting effort associated with handling boxes during pallet breakdown and can be used for around 80% of individual boxes.
• Employee involvement was central to the rollout, with KLM Cargo staff testing the equipment during two trial phases and providing feedback on its usability. Cargo that cannot be handled by the vacuum system, including wet boxes, continues to be processed using conventional methods.

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is taking another step towards a more innovative and future-ready cargo operation by introducing a vacuum lifting aid from Swedish company LiftsAll in its Build-up & Break-down operation at the KLM Cargo Hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Following two successful test phases, the technology has been in daily use since 13 July.

Cargo handling involves many repetitive physical movements, particularly during the breakdown of pallets. The vacuum lift supports employees in handling individual cargo boxes when breaking down pallets, significantly reducing the physical effort involved in lifting and moving cargo.

“At KLM Cargo, we continuously invest in innovation to drive improvements for both our customers and our people. The vacuum lift is a great example of how technology can make daily operations less physically demanding. By testing solutions together with our employees, we ensure they deliver real value in the workplace. This is exactly the kind of practical innovation we want to accelerate within KLM Cargo,” Charlotte Elpers, VP Worldwide Operations, KLM Cargo, said.

The first results are encouraging. Sensor measurements using Movella Xsens motion capture technology show that the vacuum lift removes the lifting effort associated with handling boxes during pallet breakdown.

The technology can be used for approximately 80% of individual boxes. Some cargo, such as wet boxes, cannot be handled with the vacuum system and continues to require conventional handling methods.

Introducing new technology into a live cargo operation requires close collaboration with the people who use it. During two test phases, KLM Cargo employees worked with the vacuum lift in practice, testing its usability and sharing feedback to further improve the lifting aid.…Read more by Edward Hardy