Siemens in licensing agreement with Fraport and Fraunhofer IML to market patented air cargo security system

13 May 2009

Siemens Mobility, Fraport AG, Frankfurt, and Fraunhofer IML have signed a license agreement to  market the security lock Secure Advanced Air Cargo Transfer System (SAATS). 

This patented checking system enables the speedy and secure transfer of unit looad devices (ULDs) into the sensitive apron area at airports. 

Siemens will be the exclusive global supplier of this system.

It is standard practice at airports to use so-called dolly trains to transfer cargo containers and pallets from the landside area to the critical parts. 

First, the incoming trucks are unloaded on the landside and the cargo is placed in a temporary storage location. Then, the dolly train driver and the cargo have to pass through a security lock on each trip to the aircraft and likewise undergo a security check each time. The procedure is not uniform at all airports but is handled in a many different ways.

This new SAATS system - a solution jointly developed by Fraport AG and Fraunhofer IML - now enables the easy and secure transfer of ready-for-flight ULDs into the security area of the airport apron or airside.