Swiss Air Freight Partners Test Lightweight Air Freight Container

Swiss WorldCargo, Swiss Airtainer, and B.P.L. have initiated the introduction of a self-sufficient air freight container for medications, which brings a significant weight reduction of 250 kg and thus lower fuel consumption. The first loading with this container recently took place from Basel via Zurich to San Francisco.

(Basel/Zurich) Lorenzo Stoll, Head of Cargo at Swiss International Air Lines, explains: “We are excited to be part of this innovation that has the potential to significantly influence the transport of medications. The self-sufficient air freight container is a game-changer for the industry, and we are very committed to its success. At Swiss WorldCargo, we are dedicated to proactively leading the mobility of goods and the entire air traffic into a more sustainable future. By forming alliances and supporting initiatives like this, we aim to drive technology development and actively contribute to the scaling of climate technologies necessary to achieve the ambitious climate goals of our industry.”

“B.P.L. is very pleased with the partnership with Swiss WorldCargo and Swiss Airtainer for this first joint shipment. This joint initiative is a great opportunity to explore innovative ways to reduce our CO₂ footprint,” says Urs Suter, General Manager at B.P.L. Switzerland.

“Our partnership with Swiss WorldCargo is a testament to our shared commitment to sustainability and innovation in the air freight industry. Together, we are redefining the possibilities of cold chain logistics, and the successful completion of our first joint delivery marks a revolutionary milestone on our path to a greener and more efficient future,” said Eduard Seligman, CEO of Swiss Airtainer.

The container uses solar energy to power the battery, allowing the thermal unit to maintain the required temperature range without the need for an external power source. This process simplifies the cold chain and makes the container an ideal solution for transporting medications to remote and underdeveloped areas where access to cold chain infrastructure may be limited. The container is made from sustainable and environmentally friendly materials to minimize environmental impact.

Advanced Temperature and Humidity Control Systems

In addition, advanced temperature and humidity control systems as well as smart technologies have been integrated, enabling real-time tracking and monitoring of the cargo, ensuring that vaccines and other medical supplies arrive safely and securely at their destination.

The air freight container from Swiss Airtainer weighs 250 kg less than its competitors and has received the necessary full certifications, including those from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which confirms the safety and reliability of the product. Swiss Airtainer has also received strong support from the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (BAZL) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), further validating the company’s efforts in innovation and improvement of the air freight industry.

Positive Feedback from the Industry

The project has already received positive feedback from the industry and will have a significant impact on the transport of life-saving medications. Swiss WorldCargo, Swiss Airtainer, and B.P.L., three Switzerland-based companies, are committed to developing sustainable solutions for the logistics industry and are excited to be at the forefront of this innovative project.

Photo: © Swiss Airtainer