US cargo airline Northern Air Cargo has been announced as the launch partner for new door sill and frame protectors developed by AMAI and JANA.

The sills have been designed to offer a cost-effective way of protecting aircraft from damage commonly associated with cargo operations.

Norther Air Cargo, that operates in Alaska and the Caribbean, will fit them to its Boeing 737 freighters including its newest 737-800 aircraft.

Gideon Garcia, vice president and general manager of the operator, said: “We are pleased to announce our partnership with AMAI and JANA, with implementing cargo bin door sill protectors, and upper deck main cargo door frame guards within our operation for use on our Boeing 737 freighters, including our newest 737-800 freighter.

“Protecting our aircraft from damage during the loading and unloading process is essential to maintaining our service commitment to our customers and our daily operational performance.”

“Going into the summer season, we move a tremendous amount of cargo ranging from pallets of vegetables, fish, building supplies, and equipment for the oil industry throughout the state of Alaska.

Peter Mejia, director of cargo operations, added: “With so many customers depending upon us, we cannot risk an aircraft being taken offline due to ground loading damage.

“We needed to take the initiative to protect our aircraft that are susceptible to damage when using belt loaders and cargo loaders during the loading and unloading process.

The sill and frame protectors were developed by inventor Bill Boyer, director of product development and sales at AMAI and JANA, who was profiled in the latest Aircraft Cabin Management.

He said: “We are proud to partner with Northern Air Cargo providing them with a cost-effective solution to prevent aircraft damage, while maintaining operational performance.

“It is always great to see a company like Northern Air Cargo taking a proactive approach to mitigate damage to their assets. Northern Air Cargo sees the value and I think airline operators around the world will see the same value in protecting their assets and operational integrity.”

“The Cargo Door Sill Protector and the upper deck main Cargo Door Frame Guard is designed to provide the ultimate protection from Ground Support Equipment (GSE) from coming into contact with the aircraft fuselage.

“Damage to these aircraft components can be very costly, taking an aircraft out-of-service for an extended period of time and disrupting an airlines network as well as their valued customers.”