Clipper cargo horizons, Vol. 1, No. 3, January 1961

              

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HORIZONS
A Pan Am Publication About Worldwide Air Distribution • Vol. I, No. 3 ♦ January, 1961

Automated Terminals to Speed Air Cargo Breakthrough?
Pan Am eyes up to 34 in proposed 10-year expansion;
TV monitors and mechanized load conveyors featured
Modular terminals may be about to propel air cargo deep into the jet age.
Backing its faith in the future of air cargo with plans for growth, Pan Am has just completed depth studies on the modular air cargo terminals of tomorrow. Present plans would call for up to 34 eventually. It’s concrete evidence that a projected world-wide air cargo terminal network, concentrated in Pan Am cargo-producing areas, is a distinct possibility.
Confidence in Future. The expression of confidence in the future of air cargo is predicated on inevitable signs of continued growth, according to Willis G. Lipscomb, vice-president traffic and sales, of Pan American.
“Worldwide air distribution is already in an advanced stage of revolution,” says Lipscomb. “In five years we foresee at least a three-time growth. We have lifted our sights for that eventuality, and are girding to meet the challenge.”
Fast Cargo Flow. Initial terminal sites are likely to be at major U. S. and overseas gateways. In some cases, several terminals might be in progress simultaneously. The whole expansion program would probably cover a 10-year period.
Fast flow of cargo is the guiding principle behind all planning of the prototype modular cargo terminal. At larger, busier gateways a terminal might attain a length of 500 feet, as it faces the aircraft ramp. It would extend 75 to 150 feet in depth. A 30-door truck dock would accept cargo destined
for international ports of call. At other locations, size would be scaled down proportionately.
Cargo handling equipment and organization of cargo flow would be identical with the streamlined pattern in the largest of the terminals, however. And each terminal would be such as to allow for growth potential without disruption of physical layout. In other words, if the largest terminal were to handle 70,000 tons of cargo annually, this volume could be expanded to 200,000 tons by intensifying internal equipment and expanding the basic building.
Mechanization Paramount. Cargo would be fed by carts, or otherwise would move on mechanized power conveyances, to aircraft staging areas. Meanwhile, interior terminal facilities would be such that documentation would be checked, airway bills matched with cart loads, and the cargo moved rapidly to a load planner.
The very latest in data transmission systems would feed the documentation paper information along in proper sequence. During all this, a battery of TV monitors, some focused on the staging areas, others covering the aircraft, could be connected to a master control station. Here selected personnel could scan and control the whole proceedings.
Mechanism would be set up to handle complete and normal consignments, incomplete and special loads. During loading and unloading of aircraft, cargo handling operations would be (Continued on Page 4)
Artist’s conception of future modular cargo terminal shows emphasis on ease of access, cargo flow, growth
room.
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