Air Cargo Handling Systems
Airside & Landside Transfer
Buildup & Breakdown
AGVs
Software & Control
Conveying Range
Cybersecurity
Storage
References
Air Cargo Handling Systems to Optimise your Terminal Activities
As a global provider of airport automation, Alstef Group designs and delivers integrated air cargo handling systems that optimise performance across the entire terminal. Our solutions go beyond individual equipment, focusing on how systems work together to improve flow, increase throughput, and ensure reliable, high-performance operations.
We provide end-to-end cargo terminal automation, covering ULD handling, transport, storage, and system control. Through our partnership with SACO, a recognised specialist in ULD handling and storage systems, we combine proven equipment with advanced integration and control capabilities to deliver fully coordinated, scalable solutions tailored to each facility.
From initial concept through to commissioning, our teams work closely with customers to design systems that reflect real operational needs. We consider the full cargo process - from build-up and breakdown to storage and dispatch - ensuring each solution maximises efficiency, supports future growth, and minimises disruption within live terminal environments.
Airside & Landside Transfer
FOR ULD & AIRFREIGHT PALLETS
- Truck docks & Dolly docks tailored to your air cargo handling system requirements
- For smaller 5-foot containers up to 20-foot pallets
- Various options available such as height adjustment, side shifting, weighing
- Sequencing and weighing system also available
For iso pallets
Truck docks tailored for ISO pallets handling
- 800 x 1200 mm
- 40 x 48 in
- and more...
Sequencing and weighing system available
Our AGVs
FOR ULD & AIRFREIGHT PALLETS
Our Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) AVILOAD & AVILOADXL are designed to safely and efficiently transport ULD containers and cargo pallets.
Notable benefits :
- Versatility in handling various load types and adaptability to different environmental conditions.
- Ability to operate in covered outdoor spaces within a temperature range of -10°C to +45°C, meeting the 250h BS (Salt Spray) standard for enhanced durability.
- Long-lasting and robust fleet, with an impressive average vehicle lifetime up to 45,000 hours
- Comprehensive fleet control facilitated by advanced localization and navigation technologies
- Convenient maintenance with easy access to components and the flexibility to remove individual AGVs from the fleet without disrupting operations.
AVILOAD:
- Travel speed of 2 m/sec
- Adaptable to different types of ULD (AKC, AKE, AKH, DPE...). More details
AVILOADXL:
- Travel speed of 1.5 m/sec
- Adaptable to 10-feet long air freight pallets (PP, LD9, A2,...). More details
For iso pallets
LOADSTAR - Single pallets transport solution
Compact yet sturdy, Loadstar is designed to efficiently handle pallets weighing up to 1400 kg while also offering floor space savings of up to 20%. This AGV-AMR solution serves as a versatile alternative to conventional conveyor systems, introducing enhanced flexibility and responsiveness to systems with dynamic flow fluctuations.
- Emphasizes horizontal transfers as a more efficient alternative to traditional conveyors
- Modular design ensures compatibility with a wide range of existing environments.
- Streamlines order preparation processes, optimizing overall efficiency. More details
GL – Fork over lift vehicle
The GL seamlessly integrates into production lines and provides proximity to operators, enhancing operational convenience.
- Ideal for narrow spaces, making it well-suited for compact environments
- Agile and efficient, these AGVs excel at operating within the heart of production lines
- Specifically designed for smooth infeed and outfeed of products.
- Capable of handling a substantial load capacity ranging from 1200 to 1400 kg. More details
Conveying Range
FOR ULD & AIRFREIGHT PALLETS
For iso pallets
We have a complete range of conveying systems.
For decades, our conveying systems have been reliably transferring and accumulating loads on-site.
Storage Systems
FOR ULD & AIRFREIGHT PALLETS
- Single-level storage deck systems with friction-powered roller decks
- Adapted for small-capacity storage
Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV)
- Multi-level storage deck systems with friction-powered roller decks (up to 4 levels)
- Adapted for large capacity
For iso pallets
AGV operating in narrow aisles
Due to its retractable forks, the vehicle remains compact in size, enabling it to navigate through narrow aisles and effectively maximize storage capacity. Its design prioritizes both safety and performance, setting standards in the market.
- Up to 2.5 m/sec - travel speed
- Last drop-off level: 9 m
- Load capacity: 1400 kg
- Minimum aisle width: 3100 mm
The GT16 is specifically designed to cater to the demands of automating very narrow aisle (VNA) storage. It excels in picking up and dropping off loads laterally to optimize the use of limited space.
- Up to 2.5 m/sec - travel speed
- Last drop-off level: up to 12 m
- Load capacity: 1200 kg
- Minimum aisle width:1900 mm
High adaptability, high density of storage, high flow rates performance
- Up to 240 m/min – travel speed
- Up to 80 m/min – lifting
- Shelving heights up to 35 m
Buildup & Breakdown Stations
FOR AIRFREIGHT PALLETS AND ISO PALLETS
- Air Freight pallet build-up break-down stations
- Build-up & preparation of ISO pallets
- Weighing system available
- Ergonomic features
- Integrated safety features
OPAL, A Dedicated Software Suite
OPAL is a Warehouse Control System (WCS) and AGV fleet management solution designed with a secure, interoperable, and scalable architecture. It enhances the performance and optimization of terminal activities in real-time.
- OPAL CONTROL acts as a conductor for efficiently managing storage, AGV fleet, transit, and order preparation management.
- OPAL NOTIFY generates alerts and notifications for functional events and incidents-related matters in your installations.
- OPAL ANALYTICS provides an operational dashboard, KPI, and reporting for both real-time supervision and long-term analysis.
- OPAL IT MONITORING ensures continuous monitoring and detection of any IT incidents and anomalies on servers, networks, databases.
Cybersecurity
implementing your INDUSTRIAL cybersecurity policy
Alstef Group, as a distinguished designer and integrator of automated solutions, has devoted extensive efforts to enhance cybersecurity in baggage handling systems for the airport industry and intralogistics clients. Over the years, we have developed solutions that align with our clients' industrial cybersecurity policies, safeguarding sensitive data and valuable assets from potential threats. Our commitment to security ensures a reliable and secure environment for our customers' operations.
Our References
EXTENSIVE O&M EXPERIENCE
- +20 Airports with O&M onsite teams
- Multi-terminal O&M contracts in Paris CDG and Nice NCE
- Long-term contracts (up to 20 years)
- Experience with multi-technical O&M contracts (BHS, Airbridges, Ground Power Units, Visual Guidance Device Systems, walkways, ...)
Air France Cargo, one of the world's largest air freight hubs, owns a fleet of 30 Alstef Group AGVs to handle and transport 600 pallets a day, 24/24 on a 12-hectare hub.
Manual vs automated air cargo handling systems
Many air cargo terminals still rely on manual handling processes, where ULD movement, storage, and build-up activities depend heavily on labour. While this approach can offer short-term flexibility, it often leads to operational constraints as volumes increase - including slower throughput, higher error rates, and limited visibility across the terminal.
Automated air cargo handling systems address these challenges by integrating equipment, transport, storage, and control into a single coordinated solution. Instead of isolated manual tasks, cargo flows are managed as a continuous, optimised process, improving efficiency and consistency at every stage.
With automation, terminals benefit from faster and more predictable ULD handling, improved space utilisation through automated storage systems, and enhanced operational control via integrated software platforms. This reduces reliance on manual intervention, minimises disruption, and enables terminals to scale operations in line with growing demand.
For operators looking to improve performance, the shift from manual handling to cargo terminal automation is not just about replacing labour - it’s about creating a more connected, efficient, and future-ready operation.