WestJet Cargo and Wiremind have initiated a Proof of Concept (PoC) to explore the potential of advanced capacity forecasting for the air cargo industry.

The PoC aims to provide cargo teams with more accurate estimates of cargo capacity, optimising revenue generation and operational efficiency.

The two companies already have successful collaboration through SKYPALLET. The new capacity forecast solution not only improves capacity definition but also complements the existing SKYPALLET solution.

Wiremind’s CARGOSTACK Optimiser solution incorporates an artificial intelligence-driven capacity forecasting mechanism, and by leveraging advanced Machine Learning models and algorithms, the solution offers cargo teams a precise estimate of the remaining cargo capacity available for sale, both for narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.

By factoring in non-cargo items such as passenger baggage and fuel, the solution provides accurate capacity estimates in terms of payload, volume, and positions, enabling cargo sales to make informed decisions and optimise bookings.

Kirsten de Bruijn, executive vice president cargo at WestJet Cargo, said: “Having experienced the financial benefits and efficiencies that SKYPALLET brings to the cargo business, here at WestJet, where we have already implemented Wiremind’s software into our daily operations for three years, I am more than confident that our joint Proof of Concept will be an incredible success.

“In the run-up to the flight, there are several variables and factors to consider, making intelligent digital support highly valuable. Given the current pace of change in machine learning and artificial intelligence, we are just at the beginning of the vast opportunities they can bring to the air cargo business.”

Nathanaël de Tarade, chief executive officer of Wiremind Cargo, said: “We understand that a key pain point for cargo teams at passenger-heavy airlines is determining how much cargo capacity they will be able to sell.

“We have been accompanying WestJet Cargo in its digital transformation since December 2019, when they became a SKYPALLET customer, and we are very excited to take this partnership a step further with this PoC.”