Japan Airlines (JAL) starts to use 480 new light-weight cargo containers on its international routes from May 7, 2014.
The new cargo container weighs 58 kg, which weighs 41 kg less than the current aluminum container. The new container is made of synthetic resin in honeycomb structure*1 to realize higher intensity and durability than the aluminum one.
The maximum 44 containers in same size can be loaded on Boeing 777-300ER results to weighing 1,804 kg less compared to the current cargo contains loaded onboard.
The fuel consumption can be reduced 800 liters for one-way trip if these new containers are used on Narita-New York route. Additionally, using high-intensity materials can also reduce the frequency of its repairs which is expected to further improve cost efficiency.
JAL will continue to challenge to reduce the expenses with expanding introduction of these new light-weight containers.
*1 Honeycomb structures have the geometry of a honey comb to allow the minimization of the amount of used material to reach minimal weight and minimal material cost. A honeycomb shaped structure provides a material with minimal density and relative high out-of-plane compression properties and high strength-to weight ratio.
New light-weight Container
|
Current Container
| |
Maker
|
Cargo Composites
|
Nordisk
|
Materials
|
Resin, Canvas
|
Aluminum
|
Weight
|
58 kg
|
99 kg
|
