The new robot system will reduce handling costs and make it easier to effect meal tray adjustments. This will serve to reduce production costs while increasing flexibility and customer-centricity, making it easy to serve a wider array of products on different types of trays. It will also be possible to cater efficiently to diverse special requests. The rate of production will also double in comparison to the previous system, namely 30,000 pieces.

As a consequence of Schiphol building the new pier, one of KLM Cargo’s three cargo warehouses will be partially demolished. This means that KLM Cargo will have to be smart about how it uses the limited amount of space available. Lödige will provide the answer by integrating KLM Cargo’s existing processes for handing mail and express shipments into an automated solution in an innovative manner. The challenge here will be to house this in an area half the size of the existing space. In order to achieve this, Lödige Industries and Vanderlande Industries formed an exclusive cooperative relationship so that the KLM Cargo team could join forces with them in an open and constructive manner.

In order to create space for the construction of a sorting system in cargo building 1, express handling operations will as of 12 June be housed elsewhere for the time being. Temporary premises have been constructed for this purpose in the front area of KLM Cargo in order to safeguard customer service.

Arthur van Brink (Lödige Industries) and Marcel de Nooijer (KLM Cargo) signing on the dotted line

Experts had already developed theories for optimum boarding, but KLM is the first airline in the world to come up with a solution ensuring faster and more comfortable boarding for passengers.

What does KLM’s innovative boarding procedures entail?
Passengers get a boarding number at the gate. This number is based on their seat in the aircraft. When boarding begins, the numbers are displayed in a sequence on screens at the gate. The order in which the numbers are displayed ensures that passengers with a window seat board first, starting at the rear of the aircraft. They are followed by passengers seated in the midsection of the aircraft, after which the passengers with aisle seats are allowed to board. This ensures that passengers can wait their turn in the comfort of the lounge, instead of waiting in line and having to step over other passengers. As always, disabled passengers and parents with babies will be allowed to board first. SkyPriority passengers are given the lowest numbers and will go on board next.

At present, the new procedure will apply on three flights a day, to Berlin, Budapest and Helsinki. During the trial period, the procedure will be further optimised. KLM intends to expand this boarding procedure to other European and intercontinental flights during the course of the coming year.