Air Cargo Operations: Key Features, Challenges, and Future Trends

Introduction to Air Cargo Operations

Air cargo represents a relatively small percentage by volume of world trade, but its significance leaps by value. The air cargo industry serves as a key engine of economic growth and development. It supports trade and investment, promotes connectivity, and improves efficiency and competitiveness.

The Air Cargo Operations module aims to explain the above principles to students. Students are expected to understand the complex and changing issues required to maximize all aspects of the air cargo business and see all the parts of commercial aviation operations. This module will look at the important function of air cargo operations to the commercial aviation industry. Some of the key features of this type of operation are examined together with some of the challenges faced such as safety and security and environmental impact. Air cargo operators are more sensitive to changes in the global economy than commercial passenger aviation. The industry is working towards greater resilience with the use of UAVs likely to play a significant role. The module will equip students with the skills and knowledge required to for a future role in this exciting area of aviation.

Learning outcomes to be assessed

1. Explain the Air Cargo market characteristics and interrelations with passenger operations
2. Analyse the environmental considerations related to Air Cargo Operations
3. Evaluate air cargo operations framework and related regulations
4. Compare and contrast the principles of special cargo handling
5. Link Air Cargo with airport location idiosyncrasies
6. Apply management principles to Air Cargo Operations by working in groups

You are a cargo specialist working on behalf of “Agra Cori” an established freighter-only carrier based in the UK. Currently the organisation does not handle specialist cargo or dangerous goods. Their hub is EMA and they operate flights to:

Senior management have approached you to provide an overview of the current cargo market as they are looking at the business strategy for the next 10 years. They require a 2500-word report that includes an Executive Summary that the organisation can build into their strategy. Your report should cover the following points:

• A review of the industry
• Operational procedures (current and future (UAV for example)
• Regulations (current and future)
• Specialised Cargo handling

Following your submitted report, you have been asked to form a team of no more than 6 people to present a proposal to an investment group which “Agra Cori” have approached. Your team needs to deliver a proposal report which:

• Consolidate findings from the industry review along with identifying any new developments
• Makes recommendation for new airport(s) to operate to and provide justification.
• Review the current fleet and provide justification for any amendments.
• Environmental considerations specific to Air Cargo Operations

Attendance is crucial for your success as a student. Over the years, it has become clear that there is a very clear link between students’ attendance levels and their module marks, so please make sure you give yourself the best possible chances for success through attending your classes, seminars and tutorials. You are expected to attend all forms of learning activity associated with your course of study regularly, and to engage in your course as required by the University’s Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Policy. Attendance is monitored using student card swipe data so please always remember to ‘touch-in’ with your ID card for each class you attend. This may also affect your scholarships, so don’t forget to tap in!

The University recognises that there are times when you may encounter difficulties during your course of study and provisions are made to help you. In all cases, youshould speak to your Personal Tutor/Module Leader and seek advice as soon as possible. If you think you need a little more time past the original deadline, you can approach your Module Leader for a 10-day extension initially