It is standard practice at airports to use so-called dolly trains to transfer cargo containers and pallets from the landside area to the critical parts or aprons. First, the incoming trucks are unloaded on the landside and the cargo is placed in a temporary storage location. Then, the dolly train driver and the cargo have to pass through a security lock on each trip to the aircraft and likewise undergo a security check each time. The procedure is not uniform at all airports but is handled in a many different ways.

The new SAATS system, a solution jointly developed by Fraport AG and Fraunhofer IML, now enables the easy and secure transfer of ready-for-flight ULDs into the security area of the airport apron or airside. Traffic on the landside is ‘disconnected’ from traffic on the airside. Flight-ready ULDs delivered by truck from the landside are checked immediately and are then either stored temporarily or taken directly to the aircraft by dolly train as explained above.

The user benefits from an improved cargo transfer process and a high security standard. Moreover, the number of personnel is reduced and the previously customary, recurring and cost-intensive personnel and vehicle checks are no longer necessary. As a result, the hourly cargo throughput between critical and non-critical parts is increased. This process involving a clearly defined transfer interface has been patented as a procedure. Security features such as particle scanning, thermo-photography or measuring and weighing functions can also be integrated into the system.

“SAATS makes it possible to combine the stringent security checks of the worldwide cargo hubs with an efficient process for secure and low-cost container transfer,” said Bernd Ruppert, head of the Cargo & Parcel Business Segment in Siemens Mobility.

All airports that want to process ULD units quickly and securely can use this system. SAATS can be designed as a central facility in the airport or for separate use by individual cargo handlers.

About Siemens Mobility:

The Siemens Mobility Division is the internationally leading provider of transportation and logistics solutions. With its "Complete Mobility" approach, the Division is focused on networking the various modes of transportation in order to ensure the efficient transport of people and goods. Complete Mobility combines the company's competence in operations control systems for railways and traffic control systems for roadways together with solutions for airport logistics, postal automation, traction power supplies and rolling stock for mass transit, regional and mainline services, as well as forward-looking service concepts.

About Siemens Southern Africa:

Siemens has had a presence in South Africa since 1860 when the company installed the first telegraph line linking Cape Town and Simon’s Town. Today, Siemens offers a balanced portfolio of technologies focusing on the Industry, Energy and Healthcare sectors, together with the cross-sector business of Siemens IT Solutions and Services. The unique ability to offer horizontal, customised, end-to-end technology solutions enables Siemens to keep its customers one-step ahead. As a committed corporate citizen, Siemens has active corporate social investment programmes as well as a comprehensive approach to local content, manpower development, skills and training. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.co.za