Cathay Cargo and Global Logistics System Take Top Prize at IATA Hackathon
A joint team from Cathay Cargo and Global Logistics System (GLS) has won the Jettainer ULD Challenge at this year’s IATA ONE Record Hackathon, held from April 24 to 26 at Cathay City in Hong Kong.
The event brought together international teams of developers to tackle key challenges aimed at advancing digital innovation in the air cargo sector.
Tackling Temperature Control for Sensitive Cargo
The Jettainer ULD Challenge focused on a critical industry question: how to ensure that cool passive pallets remain within the correct temperature range throughout the entire transport chain.
With rising demand for temperature-sensitive shipments—particularly in pharmaceuticals and perishables—maintaining consistent conditions is essential to ensure product integrity and safety.
End-to-End Tracking Solution Developed
The winning team created a fully integrated tracking solution, combining hardware and software to deliver real-time visibility across shipments.
Their innovation includes:
- A custom-built tracking device
- An analytics platform for data insights
- Integration with the ONE Record data-sharing standard
The system provides continuous monitoring and instant insights, enabling better control over temperature-sensitive cargo.
Advanced Sensor and Connectivity Technology
The proprietary device is equipped with multiple environmental sensors, including:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Light intensity
- Vibration
To ensure seamless data transmission, it integrates Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS, creating a connected ecosystem that delivers actionable insights at every stage of the shipment journey.
This enables operators to maintain compliance with defined exposure limits and respond quickly to any deviations.
Driving Innovation in ULD Management
Dr. Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, CEO of Jettainer, praised the creativity and technical depth of the competing teams.
He highlighted the winning solution as a strong example of how digital innovation and IoT technologies can enhance ULD management and improve service value for customers.
Supporting the Future of Digital Air Cargo
The hackathon underscores the growing importance of initiatives like ONE Record in enabling data-driven logistics.
By combining IoT tracking with standardised data sharing, solutions like the one developed by Cathay Cargo and GLS are helping to shape the future of transparent, efficient and compliant air cargo operations.