A recent study conducted by Aventus at Heathrow Airport revealed that implementing a blockchain-based solution has resulted in noteworthy enhancements in data visibility, accuracy, and operational efficiency within the cargo handling sector.

According to a study conducted by Aventus & Airport Perishables Handling (APH) at Heathrow Airport, airlines can achieve significant cost savings in cargo handling operations by utilizing Web3-based solutions.

The current toolset utilized for global ULD management has remained stagnant since the 1990s, relying heavily on manual data inputs. This outdated approach poses significant challenges regarding data visibility and accuracy, secure information sharing, and costly ULD losses, damages, and delays. As a result, airlines face an annual financial burden exceeding $1.6 billion.

Web3, with the help of blockchain technology, presents a strong and effective answer to the obstacles conventional ULD management faces. This is achieved by:

• Enabling immutable, tamper-proof records that provide a single source of truth, eliminating disputes and improving regulatory compliance;
• Reducing administrative overhead and minimize errors by automating manual processes via self-executing smart contracts; 
• Enabling real-time visibility into ULD location, custodianship and condition, and streamlining data sharing to enable airlines to optimize operations.

A recent pilot study conducted at Heathrow Airport revealed the significant benefits of Aventus’ blockchain-based cargo handling solution. The study demonstrated how this innovative technology enhances data visibility, accuracy, and operational efficiency within the cargo handling sector.

• 90% reduction in communication and error incidents as a result of digitized data capture; 
• 83% reduction in manual documentation time;
• 81% reduction in time between ULD stock updates from 3-4 hours to just 30 minutes, enabling real-time decision-making; and
• 28% reduction in loading times as a result of optimized ULD loading workloads.

Alan Vey, Founder at Aventus, comments: “These results are truly remarkable, underscoring the transformative potential of blockchain for not only the aviation industry but for supply chains globally. We are proud to be empowering enterprises to enhance data accuracy, reduce operational inefficiencies, and achieve greater transparency. As we expand our partnerships across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we anticipate these results to only improve via network effects.”

Michelle Roosevelt, Director at Aviation Perishables Handling, adds: “Aventus’ technology is fast and responsive, which is key in our busy airport environment. We’ve seen huge improvements in productivity. The app is more than a tool – it’s reshaped how we manage and track our aircraft containers, and the Aventus team’s support and expertise in meeting our needs has been outstanding.”

Aventus’ aviation solution has forged valuable partnerships with prominent enterprises in the Polkadot ecosystem. These include Aviation Perishables Handling at Heathrow Airport, Vodafone’s Digital Asset Broker, and several leading airlines in Asia and the Middle East.

To access further details about the study, users have the option to download the complete report here.