Air cargo transportation systems are designed to provide fast and efficient shipment of goods, two features that make them highly vulnerable to potential security threats.

The main objective of the project is to implement and validate in real-life environments a system that addresses these security risks and is aligned with the time and cost realities of the air cargo industry so it does not interfere with the trade flow.

The project concept is a smart and secure cargo container and information exchange platform that can reduce screening costs and eliminate tampering risks by combining advanced composite materials, secure PIN-code lock, electronic shipping documents (e-freight), web-based software for data storage and a 24/7 fully redundant communication systems based on GPS, GPRS and RFID technology for continuous real-time visibility.

The project will select participants across the entire value chain (shippers, logistics services providers, handling agents, airlines, customs, forwarders and consignees), and select two closed-loop transport lanes to execute the pilot. The consortium assembles 4 research performing SMEs with unique and complementary expertise, who will produce together a pre-series of 250 containers, obtain the relevant approvals from FAA/EASA, and deploy the solution with the pilot customers.

The project results, as compared with the current packaging, transport and security management methods, will be widely disseminated via industry associations such as IATA, TSA and TIACA. A full industrialisation and commercialisation plan will be developed in the course of the project.