China Eastern Air Logistics Co., Ltd. (CEAL) has partnered with global intralogistics specialist Lödige Industries to deploy the latest generation of high-capacity automated guided vehicles (AGVs) at its Cargo Terminal 4 at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, marking a major step towards fully automated, smart air cargo operations.
A total of six 10-foot AGVs have been fully implemented, tested and commissioned, with the system now officially handed over to CEAL. Each AGV is capable of transporting unit load devices (ULDs weighing up to 6.8 tonnes), setting new benchmarks in automation, safety, stability and operational reliability in air cargo handling.
The AGV fleet is fully integrated with Lödige Industries’ proprietary Cargo Management System (CMS), part of the Cargo Professional Suite. This advanced terminal management solution enables intelligent cargo flow planning, real-time guidance and end-to-end tracking. Using real-time data analytics, the system provides visualised operational insights on mobile devices, allowing precise control and efficient decision-making across terminal operations.
“Our AGV system is a powerful enabler of efficiency and automation in air cargo terminals,” said Nicholas Tripptree, Managing Director Asia-Pacific at Lödige Industries. “We are proud to partner with CEAL to deploy this cutting-edge technology, helping enhance efficiency, increase flexibility and set new standards for cargo operations and overall terminal performance.”
The AGVs significantly enhance operational flexibility by reducing reliance on manual transport, optimising routing, minimising dependence on fixed infrastructure and enabling scalable, dynamic cargo flows. Their data-driven intelligence ensures accurate ULD handling, reduces the risk of cargo damage, supports 24/7 operations and allows terminal staff to focus on higher-value activities.
All six AGVs were manufactured in Germany and underwent rigorous testing to ensure consistent quality and performance. The fleet also works in harmony with China’s first lift-and-run system—also supplied by Lödige Industries—further improving throughput and operational intelligence at the terminal.
The latest deployment builds on an expanding partnership between CEAL and Lödige Industries, which has previously delivered projects including an Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV) system refurbishment and a Transfer Vehicle (TV) system. Together, these initiatives highlight a shared commitment to innovation, automation and digital transformation in air cargo logistics.