Wraight’s electric ambitions for air cargo

Stan Wraight, a veteran in the air cargo industry, is embarking on a new venture that aims to revolutionize the sector with electric aircraft. While many of his contemporaries are retiring, Wraight continues to innovate and challenge traditional practices in air freight. After a distinguished career with KLM Cargo, Atlas Air, and AirBridgeCargo Airlines, he founded Strategic Aviation Solutions International in 2005, which later evolved into SASI World. His latest project, e-Smart Avia, is set to launch in 2027, introducing a fleet of electric ALIA CTOL aircraft designed specifically for cargo transport.

The Game-Changing Aircraft

The ALIA CTOL aircraft, developed by BETA Technologies, boasts a payload capacity of 560 kilograms and a cabin space of 5.6 cubic meters. With a range of 500 kilometers, it is ideally suited for next-day or express services, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional regional cargo planes. Wraight highlights that charging costs for a full payload over 249 nautical miles range between $17 and $30 per hour, significantly lower than the approximately $700 fuel cost for a Cessna on the same route.

Operational Flexibility

One of the key advantages of the ALIA aircraft is its operational flexibility. Cargo can be loaded in bulk or on small composite pallets, and the aircraft can land on any hard surface, avoiding the operational constraints faced by drones. Wraight emphasizes that while drones face regulatory challenges and limitations on cross-border operations, the ALIA aircraft can be piloted with capabilities for autonomous operation, making it a versatile solution for air cargo.

Business Case for Electric Cargo Planes

Wraight outlines several compelling business cases for the deployment of electric cargo planes. E-Smart Avia plans to position its aircraft at strategic hubs to connect with long-haul flights, facilitating the rapid movement of urgent shipments, such as healthcare supplies or aircraft on ground (AOG) traffic. By utilizing electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft, the company can expedite customs clearance and deliver cargo within hours, rivaling traditional trucking costs while avoiding road congestion.

Transforming Air Cargo Logistics

Wraight envisions a growing role for electric cargo aircraft as EVTOL technology advances. Larger models with increased payload capacities could transform road feeder services, offering a faster ‘air feeder service’ option that approaches trucking costs but operates at significantly higher speeds. This evolution represents a new chapter in logistics, as e-Smart Avia aims to provide clients with comprehensive logistics capabilities from a single source, addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the airfreight ecosystem.

Adapting to Industry Pressures

The air cargo industry is facing significant pressures to adapt its business models. Traditional distribution channels, such as freight forwarders, are consolidating, while large e-commerce companies are increasingly controlling dedicated freighter fleets. To remain competitive, airlines must extend their services beyond airport-to-airport operations to offer end-to-end logistics solutions. Wraight believes that by doing so, airlines can enhance their profit margins and compete effectively with integrators for high-value express traffic.

Emerging Trends in E-Commerce

While e-commerce has traditionally focused on business-to-consumer (B2C) parcel traffic, Wraight argues that the sector encompasses much more. E-commerce serves as a platform for retailers to sell products and is equally relevant in business-to-business (B2B) contexts. The emphasis is on speed, cost-efficiency, and improved logistics, rather than merely minimizing expenses per kilogram of cargo. Notable examples include Lufthansa Cargo’s heyworld venture and Emirates SkyCargo’s Courier Express service, both of which provide door-to-door logistics solutions.

Technological Partnerships

To enhance service offerings, e-Smart Logistics has partnered with Kale Logistics, enabling seamless customs clearance and data flow among stakeholders. This collaboration allows for a transparent and efficient logistics process, which is crucial for meeting the demands of modern air freight. Wraight emphasizes that this technology is applicable across various sectors, focusing on speed and transparency in delivery.

The Future of Smart Cargo Airports

SASI World has been actively working with airports to improve cargo flow, leading to the development of the ‘Smart Cargo Airports’ program. A key component of this initiative is the emphasis on data flow, allowing stakeholders to monitor shipments and make necessary adjustments in real-time. The integration of Smart Cargo Airports, e-Smart Logistics, and e-Smart Avia aims to provide airlines with comprehensive service solutions, whether through direct operation or consultancy.

Looking Ahead

Beta Technologies anticipates receiving certification for its aircraft from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the latter half of 2023. As an early adopter, e-Smart Avia is poised to commence operations in early 2024, starting with five aircraft and options for 15 more. The venture is already gaining traction among a diverse client base, indicating strong interest in its innovative approach to air cargo.

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