Airbus launches cargo collaboration OpenCargoLab

Airbus has launched a collaboration with partners in the airline, logistics, and handling sectors, OpenCargoLab. The collaboration, involving CHAMP Cargosystems, Fraport, KLM Cargo, Kuehne+Nagel, and Swissport, focusses on the airfreight ecosystem by driving digital resource management concepts. The launch supports Airbus' forecast for the global freight market to grow 50% by 2042. Airbus noted the Asia-Pacific region in particular for its continued ""rapid economic growth"" and believes it holds a promising avenue for modern airfreight businesses with ""digital-savvy hubs."" The company expects the region to see demand for around 400 widebody freighter aircraft over the next 20 years. Airbus head of OpenCargoLab Marvin Ehrmann said: ""We are very excited to have established a thought leadership platform where experienced partners can drive the airfreight sector to become even more efficient, sustainable and connected."" The partnership will contribute to further design and application development of the A350F aircraft. It will also test findings from OpenCargoLab at Airbus' cargo competence site in Bremen, Germany. The collaboration was announced at the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong.