Vacuum lift operated at KLM Cargo Build-up & Break-down

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is taking another step towards a more innovative and future-ready cargo operation by introducing a vacuum lifting aid from Swedish company LiftsAll in its Build-up & Break-down operation at the KLM Cargo Hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Following two successful test phases, the technology has been in daily use since 13 July.

Cargo handling involves many repetitive physical movements, particularly during the breakdown of pallets. The vacuum lift supports employees in handling individual cargo boxes when breaking down pallets, significantly reducing the physical effort involved in lifting and moving cargo.

“At KLM Cargo, we continuously invest in innovation to drive improvements for both our customers and our people. The vacuum lift is a great example of how technology can make daily operations less physically demanding. By testing solutions together with our employees, we ensure they deliver real value in the workplace. This is exactly the kind of practical innovation we want to accelerate within KLM Cargo.” Charlotte Elpers, VP Worldwide Operations, KLM Cargo

The first results are encouraging. Sensor measurements using Movella Xsens motion capture technology show that the vacuum lift removes the lifting effort associated with handling boxes during pallet breakdown.

The technology can be used for approximately 80% of individual boxes. Some cargo, such as wet boxes, cannot be handled with the vacuum system and continues to require conventional handling methods.

Introducing new technology into a live cargo operation requires close collaboration with the people who use it. During two test phases, KLM Cargo employees worked with the vacuum lift in practice, testing its usability and sharing feedback to further improve the lifting aid.

This approach ensures that innovation is not only technically viable but also responds to the needs of employees and the realities of the daily operation.

The vacuum lift is part of KLM’s broader Autonomous Operations programme, which aims to make work across ground operations, cargo and maintenance safer, smarter and more sustainable by combining human expertise with new technologies.

For KLM Cargo, it is a practical example of how this approach can make a tangible difference to the people working in the operation every day.