Fraunhofer IML Receives Award for “Digital Testbed Air Cargo”

The project consortium “Digital Testbed Air Cargo” (DTAC) was awarded the “Air Cargo Sustainability Award” by the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) on June 25, 2025, in Hong Kong. This award recognizes outstanding companies and industry initiatives that contribute to more sustainable air freight. The award marks another significant milestone in the success story of the comprehensive research testbed for the digitization and automation of air freight.

(Dortmund/Hong Kong) Following the recognition with the “International Award for Excellence in Air Cargo” in the category “Innovative Logistics Solutions in Air Cargo of the Year” in February 2025 in Nairobi and a Top-5 placement as “Air Cargo Technology Solution Provider of the Year” at the World Air Cargo Awards (WACA) in Munich in early June 2025, another international award for the successful project, which is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, was presented on June 25, 2025.

The prestigious project was awarded first place in the category of Start-ups and Small Businesses. Among other criteria, the jury was particularly impressed that the DTAC has a noticeable impact on the attractiveness of jobs at the airport as well as on the education and curiosity of the next generation. For example, the DTAC robots have recently been included in a Japanese school reading and in hands-on workshops with elementary school children in Munich.

A Strong Sign for Germany’s Innovative Power

“The renewed international recognition for the Digital Testbed Air Cargo is a strong sign of Germany’s innovative power. It clearly shows how the use of technology not only increases efficiency but also promotes sustainability at the same time. Such projects are crucial for the development of a digital Germany that sets international standards,” emphasizes Karsten Wildberger, Federal Minister for Digitalization and State Modernization.

About the award: The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) is awarding the “Air Cargo Sustainability Award” for the seventh time this year. The award is presented in collaboration with one of the leading IT solution providers in the industry, CHAMP Cargosystems. The awards aim to recognize outstanding companies and industry initiatives that strive for greater sustainability in air freight transport. Two categories were evaluated, one for start-ups and small businesses and the other for companies and established firms.

The jury consists of seven industry leaders and sustainability experts. The jury members evaluated the submissions based on a range of criteria, including societal and industrial impact, ease of implementation, innovation, and the “wow factor”.

For more information about the award: https://tiaca.org/awards

Research Project of Over 18 Million Euros

About the project: The “Digital Testbed Air Cargo” is a research project funded by the Federal Ministry for Digitalization and State Modernization (BMDS) with a total volume of over 18 million euros, which develops digital applications for air freight. The goal is a more efficient transport chain through better networking and digital process optimization. After the first project phase (09/2021–09/2024), the second phase is currently running until August 2026. The focus is on the further development and implementation of new technologies such as ONE Record, AI, automation, and eCommerce integration. Additionally, predictive analytics and digital avatars are being researched to create innovative solutions for air freight logistics. The implementation of the project is carried out in close collaboration with existing consortium partners from the air freight industry, including the airports of Frankfurt, Cologne, Leipzig, and Munich, as well as companies like CHI Deutschland Cargo Handling GmbH, DB Schenker, Lufthansa Cargo AG, and Sovereign Speed GmbH. Furthermore, LUG aircargo handling GmbH is involved as an associated partner and strengthens the team as needed.

For more information, visit: www.digitales-testfeld-air-cargo.de

Photo: © TIACA / Caption: Manuel Wehner (Fraunhofer IML, 2nd from right) at the award ceremony in Hong Kong