China Eastern Air Logistics Co., Ltd. has taken another step toward intelligent cargo handling with the introduction of high-capacity automated guided vehicles (AGVs) at Cargo Terminal 4 of Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The project has been delivered in cooperation with intralogistics specialist Lödige Industries and marks a significant upgrade to one of China’s most important air cargo facilities.
The deployment includes six newly commissioned 10-foot AGVs, each designed to transport unit load devices (ULDs weighing up to 6.8 tonnes. Following the successful completion of testing and commissioning, the system has now been formally handed over and is fully operational within the terminal environment.
The AGVs are seamlessly connected to Lödige Industries’ Cargo Management System, part of the Cargo Professional Suite. This digital platform enables real-time monitoring and intelligent coordination of ULD movements, offering data-driven oversight of cargo flows across the terminal. Operational information is visualised and accessible via mobile devices, supporting precise planning, tracking, and execution of handling processes.
By automating internal transport movements, the AGV fleet reduces the need for manual handling while improving routing efficiency and operational flexibility. The system supports continuous, round-the-clock operations and lowers the risk of cargo damage, allowing personnel to concentrate on supervision and higher-value activities rather than routine transport tasks.
China Eastern Air Logistics highlighted the transformational impact of the technology on terminal performance, noting that the solution integrates smoothly with existing processes while significantly enhancing efficiency, adaptability, and readiness for future growth.
From Lödige Industries’ perspective, the project demonstrates how scalable automation can raise performance standards across modern air cargo terminals. The AGVs were manufactured in Germany and subjected to extensive quality and performance testing prior to delivery.
The new vehicles also complement Shanghai Pudong’s lift-and-run system, previously supplied by Lödige Industries, further strengthening throughput and operational intelligence at Cargo Terminal 4.
The AGV implementation builds on a long-standing collaboration between China Eastern Air Logistics and Lödige Industries, which has included earlier upgrades to Elevating Transfer Vehicle and Transfer Vehicle systems. Together, these initiatives reflect a shared focus on innovation, automation, and the digital transformation of air cargo operations.