Engineering firm helps install new air cargo handling system at Bangkok airport
Alwayse Engineering has helped Thai Airways install an innovative air cargo handling system at its cargo terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.
The system features ball transfer units from UK-based Alwayse Ball Unit Solutions, and was built by the company’s long-term partner, PERT Conveyor Company Ltd.
It enables THAI Cargo’s ground operations team to swiftly, safely and easily manoeuvre unit load devices (ULDs) around the terminal’s 90,000m2 warehouse, which accommodates more than 1.2m tonnes of goods each year.
Installed in September 2024, the new cargo handling system features over 1,600 ball units from the company’s Heavy Duty 8006015 series installed as part of a 135m2 ball deck.
With a maximum load of up to 1000kg per ball transfer unit, each of which comprises of a Ø57.1mm stainless steel bearing housed within a low-profile unit formed from a single steel body, the new system delivers the low-friction and multi-directional movement qualities needed to withstand the heavy traffic requirements inside the cargo terminal.
The system’s compatibility with ULDs also enables THAI Cargo to accommodate the transfer of pre-packed commodities forwarded by import-export operators to the aircraft.
Dean Falconer, head of global partnerships at Alwayse Ball Unit Solutions, said: “Ball transfer units offer air cargo providers an unparalleled way of safely and efficiently moving ULDs to facilitate fast turnaround times.
“Their low friction and multi-directional movement help reduce the amount of force needed to handle a ULD, de-risking overall ground operations and making it much safer for operators; all without the need for additional power requirements.
“We are excited to see how the new system will help improve turnaround times and improve operator safety over the coming months and years, while supporting THAI Cargo’s vision of becoming one of the flagship integrated logistics hubs in Asia.”
Godwin Chan at PERT Conveyor Company Ltd, added: “Alwayse Ball Unit Solutions has become our go-to supplier for ball transfer units and the THAI Cargo system is the latest in a series of projects we have collaborated on in recent years.
“Air cargo operators need robust and reliable handling systems to minimise time on the ground and our roller conveyor ball decks enable the THAI Cargo operators to handle ULDs in a fast, safe and efficient way.”
