Air France KLM Martinair Cargo Automates Cold-Chain Storage at Paris CDG

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is expanding and automating its Perishables Centre at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) as demand for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and perishable goods continues to grow.

The investment will increase the centre’s capacity and improve the efficiency of cargo handling while strengthening the facility’s capabilities for temperature-controlled shipments.

As part of the expansion, the Air France KLM Martinair Group’s dedicated cargo business is installing an elevating transfer vehicle (ETV) from Lödige Industries to automate the multilevel storage and retrieval of unit load devices (ULDs) and pallets.

The automated system is designed to make better use of the available building space while supporting future cargo growth. By reducing manual handling and streamlining internal cargo movements, the ETV will improve storage efficiency and help create more consistent handling processes.

The system will also support the handling of temperature-sensitive shipments within the centre’s dedicated cool areas, helping maintain reliable cold-chain operations.

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo said expanding its temperature-controlled capabilities at Paris-Charles de Gaulle is an important step in strengthening its cold-chain operations. The automated storage solution will allow the carrier to manage growing volumes more efficiently while improving cargo flows for temperature-sensitive shipments.

The installation includes a 10-foot-wide edge ETV serving 58 storage decks, 17 of which will be located within temperature-controlled areas.

Bjoern Ussat, Director Airport Logistic Solutions at Lödige Industries, said cold-chain logistics require high levels of reliability, efficient use of space and consistent handling processes.

He added that the project demonstrates how automation can help cargo operators optimise storage capacity and internal material flows while meeting the demanding requirements of temperature-sensitive shipments.

The system is being supplied by Lödige Machine Warburg and Lödige Machine Romania and is scheduled to become operational at the end of September 2027.