Smart ULD transport powering CEAL’s next‑generation cargo hub.
Six high‑capacity AGVs integrated with lift‑and‑run technology to deliver flexible, 24/7 and data‑driven cargo operations at Shanghai Pudong.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is expanding its Super Cargo Terminal under Phase 4, aiming to increase its annual air cargo handling capacity from over 800,000 tons to an estimated 4.51 million tons by 2027. This ambitious project is supported by the addition of new facilities, including one of the world’s largest satellite cargo terminals, spanning approximately 620,000 square meters.
As part of this broader expansion, China Eastern Air Logistics (CEAL) has identified the need for highly automated ULD flows at Pudong West Cargo Terminal 4. This includes seamless connections between build-and-break workstations, storage areas, and landside interfaces, all designed to manage growing cargo volumes while enhancing safety, space utilization, and operational transparency.
Lödige Industries has successfully implemented fully automated ULD material handling solutions for CEAL at the Shanghai Pudong Cargo Terminal. These advanced solutions feature an ETV system at Terminal 2, TV system at Terminal 3 and an AGV system integrated with a Lift and Run system at Terminal 4. This innovative setup facilitates flexible, automated, and data-driven ULD flows in multiple terminals, significantly boosting operational efficiency.
Project Details
Solutions
Six 10‑foot automated guided vehicles, each capable of handling ULDs weighing up to 6.8 tonnes, fully integrated with Lödige’s lift‑and‑run technology, enabling flexible, 24/7 ULD transport with optimized routing, higher safety and reduced ULD damage.
Lift and run system with transfer vehicles and hoists provides fast, parallel access to ULD positions, stable performance during peak loads, and high flexibility by allocating multiple vehicles to busy aisles. The system is integrated with Lödige’s AGV to ensure smooth operation from transport to storage.
ETV system at Pudong West Cargo Terminal 2 Zone D, featuring two 20‑ft elevating transfer vehicles and 232 powered roller decks to convert a one level storage area into a five level fully automated system for dense ULD storage.
TV system bridges critical gaps in the air cargo handling, it ensures seamless horizontal transport of ULDs via integrated roller conveyor decks.
Cargo Professional Suite connect automated ULD systems into one data-driven cargo hub with real time flow planning, end to end tracking, and mobile visualization.
China Eastern Air Logistics Co., Ltd. (CEAL) is the cargo arm of China Eastern Airlines, operating major airfreight hubs at Shanghai Pudong and serving extensive domestic and international cargo networks. As a leading Chinese air cargo operator, CEAL is investing in automation, digitalization and smart terminals to enhance efficiency, reliability and service quality in line with Shanghai’s ambition to become a global aviation logistics hub.
CEAL and Lödige Industries have developed a multi‑project partnership at Pudong Cargo Area, prior to the AGV deployment, Lödige delivered a Lift and run ULD handling system, TV system as well as an ETV refurbishment and modernization project. The latest AGV project deepens this collaboration and showcases their shared commitment to innovative air cargo automation.
Impressions
