Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Airbus develops cargo ops solution for airlines' widebodies

Aerospace

Airbus develops cargo ops solution for airlines' widebodies

Airbus is developing a modification for A330 and A350 family aircraft which will enable airlines to install freight pallets directly onto the cabin floor seat tracks, after removal of the economy-class seats.

Copyright Airbus

This solution will help with the airlines’ own business continuity, and also alleviate the global shortage of ‘belly-freight’ air cargo capacity due to the widespread grounding of long-haul aircraft in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it helps the industry to address the high demand for humanitarian flights to transport large quantities of medical equipment and other supplies rapidly over large distances to where they are needed.

Advertisement
ODU RT 2

Compared with loading cargo onto seats, this Airbus solution facilitates easier and quicker loading and unloading operations, as well as reduced ‘wear & tear’ to the seats themselves. Other important benefits include the added security of robust fire protection, and the 9g load restraint capability to prevent anything from shifting in flight.

The modification is packaged for operators as an Airbus Service Bulletin (SB). Under this arrangement Airbus defines the engineering workscope and also manages the process for obtaining the one-time certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Its scope includes the removal of the seats & IFE (Inflight entertainment), installation of cargo pallets and associated safety equipment – and also the re-installation of the original passenger cabin elements for reverting back to passenger operations. The SB approach will also be valid beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB General Atomics LB
British aviation set for more SAF

Aerospace

British aviation set for more SAF

25 April 2024

The UK Government has today confirmed new targets to ensure 10% of all jet fuel in flights taking off from the UK comes from sustainable sources by 2030 through its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate.

IAG Cargo transitions 160-truck fleet at Heathrow to HVO

Aerospace

IAG Cargo transitions 160-truck fleet at Heathrow to HVO

25 April 2024

IAG Cargo has completed a transition from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) for its 160-strong ground vehicle fleet at London Heathrow Airport.

Birmingham Airport achieves global carbon accreditation

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport achieves global carbon accreditation

25 April 2024

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has achieved Level 3 (optimisation) of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) scheme for a second year.

Loganair completes review of operations

Aerospace

Loganair completes review of operations

25 April 2024

Loganair has announced that it has completed an initial root and branch review of its operation under new CEO Luke Farajallah and has confirmed it is taking decisive action to stabilise and bring resilience to its core flying network.

Advertisement
ODU RT 2
Viasat collaborates with uAvionix on seamless UAV comms

Aerospace

Viasat collaborates with uAvionix on seamless UAV comms

24 April 2024

Viasat has announced a collaboration with uAvionix, a provider of certified avionics for crewed and uncrewed aviation, with uAvionix joining Viasat’s Velaris Partner Network.

Lucideon expands with new offices in Japan

Aerospace

Lucideon expands with new offices in Japan

24 April 2024

Materials science and technology consultancy Lucideon is targeting international growth with expansion in the Japanese market.

Advertisement
Marshall RT 2