Loading luggage and cargo for aircraft is an important part of operations. This is not something we often consider – of course, unless it has a problem. Baggage loading and storage vary from aircraft to aircraft. On smaller aircraft, this tends to happen manually, but sometimes a container is used.
Collecting luggage from the check-in area, passing through the airport and boarding the plane are important parts of the airport infrastructure. All major airports use some form of automated baggage handling system. This uses a conveyor belt and deflector system to bring tagged luggage from the check-in area to the loading or storage area. This can also enable security checks.
The luggage is then stored or loaded onto a trolley for delivery by the aircraft. So far, this has been mainly a manual process. But some airlines have already begun to consider automation.
British Airways began a trial of automated baggage delivery at Heathrow Airport at the end of 2019. This uses automatic trolleys to transport the loaded luggage directly from the baggage handling system to the aircraft. ANA also conducted a small-scale trial of a fully autonomous baggage system in early 2020.
Simple Flying studied the idea of robotics for baggage sorting and loading. This has the potential to speed up loading and reduce errors and baggage loss.
After the baggage is sorted and delivered, it needs to be loaded onto the aircraft. This is where the process differs between aircraft types. On smaller aircraft, it is usually manually loaded into the aircraft’s cargo hold. All regional aircraft and most narrow-body aircraft do this. However, the A320 series can use containers.
Bulk baggage loading is called “bulk loading”. This usually uses a conveyor belt to transport the luggage to the aircraft’s cargo hold (although it may not be needed on the smallest aircraft). Then load the luggage and store it safely. Nets are used to secure bags and sometimes to divide the cargo hold into several parts. Ensuring restricted movement of baggage during the flight is important for weight distribution.
An alternative to bulk loading is to use containers called unit loading equipment. It is important to secure luggage in the cargo compartment of the aircraft, which is more difficult (and time-consuming) on large aircraft. All wide-body aircraft (sometimes A320) are equipped with containers. The baggage is pre-loaded into the appropriate ULD and then secured in the cargo compartment of the aircraft.
ULD provides different sizes for different aircraft. The most common is the LD3 container. This is used for all Airbus widebody airliners and Boeing 747, 777 and 787. Other containers are optimized for aircraft cargo holds of different sizes, including 747 and 767.
For A320, a reduced size LD3 container (called LD3-45) can be used. This has a reduced height to accommodate smaller holdings. 737 does not use containers.
The loading method of cargo is the same as that of luggage. All wide-body aircraft (and possibly A320) use containers. An important advantage of containers in the use of goods is the ability to pre-load and store them. They also allow for easier transfer between aircraft, as most containers can be interchanged between different types.
There have been exceptions to some recent freight operations. With the changes in 2020 and 2021, some airlines have quickly converted passenger aircraft to carry cargo. Using the main cabin to load cargo helps airlines keep flying and adapt to increasing cargo demand.
Ground handling operations and baggage loading are an important part of airport operations and aircraft turnover. Feel free to discuss more details in the comments.
Reporter-Justin has nearly ten years of experience in the publishing field and has a deep understanding of the issues facing aviation today. With a keen interest in route development, new aircraft and loyalty, his extensive travels with airlines such as British Airways and Cathay Pacific have given him a deep and direct understanding of industry issues. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Darlington, UK.
Post time: Oct-30-2021