9 January, 2026

China Eastern Air Logistics Co., Ltd. (CEAL) has partnered with Lödige Industries to deploy the latest generation of high-capacity automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for the flexible and fully automated transportation of unit load devices (ULDs). Six 10ft AGVs have now been fully implemented in CEAL’s cargo terminal 4 at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. With testing and commissioning successfully completed and the system officially handed over to CEAL, the terminal is set to operate as a true next-generation smart cargo facility.

Each AGV is capable of transporting loads of up to 6.8 tonnes, establishing new benchmarks in automation, safety, stability and reliability for air cargo handling. The AGV system is fully integrated with Lödige’s proprietary Cargo Management System (CMS), the Cargo Professional Suite, an advanced terminal management system that streamlines cargo flow planning, guidance, and tracking. Leveraging real-time data analytics, the system provides visualized insights via mobile devices, enabling precise and efficient cargo management.

“Lödige’s system far exceeded our expectations, completely transforming our operational model. It has made our logistics processes more efficient and adaptable, while fully preparing us for sustained future growth. What impressed us most is how the system seamlessly integrates with existing workflows, delivering a quantum leap in operational capabilities,” says Weddy Pan, Senior Deputy Manager, Operations Quality Management Division, Cargo Terminal Business Development, at China Eastern Air Logistics Co., Ltd.

Our AGV system is a powerful enabler of efficiency and automation in air cargo terminals…We’re proud to partner with CEAL to deploy this cutting-edge technology, helping them enhance efficiency, increase flexibility, and set new standards for cargo operations and overall terminal performance.

said Nicholas Tripptree, Managing Director of Asia-Pacific at Lödige Industries.

The AGVs enhance operational flexibility by reducing reliance on manual transport, optimizing routing, reducing dependence on fixed infrastructure, and enabling scalable, dynamic cargo flows. The data driven intelligence ensures precise control, minimizes the risk of ULD damage, supports 24/7 operations, and allows staff to focus on higher value tasks. All six AGVs were manufactured in Germany and underwent rigorous testing to ensure consistent quality and performance. The AGV fleet harmonizes with China’s first lift-and-run system, also supplied by Lödige Industries, further boosting throughput and operational intelligence at the terminal.

The partnership between the CEAL and Lödige Industries continues to grow, with previous collaborations including an Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV) system refurbishment, and a Transfer Vehicle (TV) system, underscoring their shared commitment to innovation in air cargo logistics.

Microlise, a provider of innovative solutions for the transport sector, has completed an OEM fleet API integration with GAH Transport Refrigeration. The new integration will ensure continuous temperature compliance for the Group’s customers in partnership with the industry supplier.

With this addition, the Group’s product suite will enable mutual customers to adhere to temperature compliance regulations, providing absolute confidence that temperature-sensitive goods will arrive at customer locations in perfect condition.

Should the temperature in any customer assets increase or decrease, transport managers will be alerted, allowing the issue to be rectified quickly and efficiently. A similar alarm network will alert transport managers to the impact of door openings on temperatures.

The integration allows customers to gather real-time data directly from GAH installed products back into the Microlise product, removing the need for specific installations or additional hardware such as temperature probes. It also reduces compliance costs by removing the need to take vehicles out of service to fit standardised solutions and configurations.

Microlise’s Product Director, Stephen Watson, said: “This integration marks the first step in a truly global transformation. No longer do engineers around the world need to install bespoke solutions tied to specific vehicle manufacturers. Instead, we can deliver seamless, manufacturer-agnostic integrations that enable temperature-controlled deliveries to begin immediately, wherever they are and whatever they drive.

“When goods like pharmaceuticals arrive compromised, they’re rendered unusable, which results in significant financial loss. Our solution eliminates that risk by continuously recording temperatures throughout the journey, providing verified compliance with critical standards such as the European EN12830 directive.”

Jon Hill, Applications Manager at GAH, added “This integration with Microlise represents a significant milestone in our mission to simplify temperature compliance for our customers. By delivering real-time refrigeration data seamlessly into the Microlise platform, we’re removing complexity and cost, while giving operators the visibility and confidence they need to protect temperature-sensitive loads every mile of the journey.”

Day: 9 January 2026

High-capacity AGVs for ULD Transport

Temperature Compliance Secured via API

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