Air Freight An Engineering Challenge

This paper challenges the engineering fraternity to develop solutions to immediate and future problems in the airline industry and to take the initiative in developing better means of doing current jobs. Some programs that American Airlines and other air carriers are currently testing are discussed, including an air flotation system for freight container movement and use of linear induction motors to power rails for baggage cart movement. Current jet freighters can carry approximately 80,000 lbs. of cargo. There are current problems related to this massive cargo movement which require solutions, but there will be even greater problems in the immediate future when jumbo jets carrying upwards of 300,000 lbs. of cargo are in operation. Some of the problems yet to be faced include the lack of real estate for freight terminals on the airport proper, methods of loading large cargo containers, development of intermodal containers and implementation of computerized bookkeeping methods.