Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. (PACTL) has introduced a groundbreaking full-pallet magnetized material detector, a technology designed to transform safety screening in air cargo while supporting the surging demands of cross-border e-commerce.
With millions of shipments moving daily—including electronics and other items containing magnetic components—the risks of magnetic interference with aircraft compasses have become a pressing industry concern. Classified as Class 9 Dangerous Goods, improperly screened magnetized materials can jeopardize aviation safety and cause shipment delays.
Tackling a Growing Challenge in E-Commerce Logistics
Traditional inspections rely on labor-intensive, piece-by-piece screening and detailed manual reporting, which are increasingly unsuited to the complexity of today’s global e-commerce supply chains.
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“A single ULD can contain thousands of diverse items, making it extremely challenging to ensure safety and compliance,” explained Lu Min, Deputy General Manager of PACTL and leader of the Magnetized Material Screening Project.
The new Magnetized Material Detector changes the game, allowing rapid full-pallet screening in compliance with IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).
Patent-Pending Technology with Precision Engineering
Developed in collaboration with leading researchers and guided by the China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology, the PACTL-owned, patent-pending system employs:
- Four TMR sensor arrays are positioned in a gate-style frame to deliver all-directional magnetic field analysis.
- Multi-dimensional algorithms that distinguish harmless components from hazardous magnetized materials.
- Source localization technology to calculate field risks, preventing unnecessary shipment rejections.
A three-tiered scanning system—offering quick, semi, and full scan modes—ensures adaptability for diverse operational scenarios.
Efficiency Meets Safety
By enabling screening at the pallet or ULD level, the detector cuts down on labor hours and inspection costs while ensuring greater accuracy.
“This detector enables us to identify magnetic hazards at the pallet level, improving detection accuracy and reducing manual workload,” said Carsten Hernig, Deputy General Manager of Sales & Marketing and Production at PACTL. “More importantly, it strengthens aviation safety—which is what our airline customers value most.”
Enhancing Global Supply Chains
For airlines, forwarders, and cargo terminal operators, the innovation offers tangible operational benefits:
- Faster compliance checks without slowing down cargo throughput.
- Safer handling of magnetized goods across growing e-commerce volumes.
- Improved reliability of on-time global supply chains.
PACTL also confirmed plans to enhance the device further, including:
- Data integration and storage to support digital compliance records.
- Modular and lightweight designs for easier upgrades.
- Adaptability across operating environments, ensuring scalability worldwide.
Raising the Bar for Aviation Safety Standards
The unveiling of the detector highlights PACTL’s role as a pioneer in cargo terminal innovation, aligning with global safety standards and advancing the industry’s response to the complexities of modern logistics.
As Hernig emphasized, “Magnetic hazards have long been a challenge for the air cargo industry. This new solution strengthens aviation safety, while maintaining the speed and efficiency our partners depend on.”
With the rise of e-commerce reshaping air freight, PACTL’s Magnetized Material Detector stands as a milestone in ensuring that safety and efficiency remain inseparable in the global cargo chain.
