Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) – Hong Kong’s largest independent cargo handler – has introduced a revolutionary Virtual Reality (VR) training environment that will enable new staff to gain valuable experience before working in the challenging ramp environment.
Unlike existing training systems, Hactl’s COSAC-VR provides users with an interactive, fully immersive, 360 degree, 4-dimensional experience. The first phase covers aircraft cargo compartment operations, and other areas of Hactl operations will be included in future modules.
COSAC-VR overcomes the limitations of on-the-job-training in preparing new staff for working in ramp handling: the fast pace of work, and the restricted opportunity to practice on real aircraft and ramp equipment. The system is not dependent on a high-technology, fixed-location training suite; it is fully portable, and can be quickly set up in any location.
Hactl expects COSAC-VR to speed up the learning process, enable trainees to experience a wider variety of scenarios such as handling odd-sized cargo pallets and special loads, and enhance safety awareness.
Explains Simon Yap, Hactl’s Senior Manager - Learning and Development: “In the past, newly-recruited ground service staff had to undergo extensive classroom training before experiencing the real-life aircraft cargo handling environment. COSAC-VR has reduced the reliance on real aircraft availability and suitable weather conditions for training, and trainees meanwhile can undergo work simulations in a totally safe environment. We have greater flexibility in scheduling training, so trainees can spend more time in familiarisation before they face the real-life situation.
Adds Hactl Chief Executive Mark Whitehead: “Today’s young recruits are already well-versed in VR technology through their use of computer games. We believe this same technology can be employed to capture their interest and enthusiasm, and turn learning into an enjoyable experience.
“This is just the beginning: we will add progressively to COSAC-VR’s scope, and look at other ways to deploy VR, such as staff induction and internal communication. We are very interested in exploring collaboration with our airline customers on the VR training concept, for our mutual benefit.”
About Hactl
Launched in 1976, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) is Hong Kong’s largest independent cargo handler, serving more than 100 airline companies and 1,000 freight forwarders.
Its base, SuperTerminal 1, is Hong Kong’s largest cargo handling facility, with an annual design capacity of 3.5 million tonnes.
Hactl’s subsidiary Hacis provides scheduled road feeder services to/from 7 key points in southern China’s important Pearl River Delta region.
Hactl’s world-leading, self-developed IT system, COSAC-Plus, links it with airlines, freight forwarders, agents, shippers/consignees, Airport Authority, Civil Aviation Authority, Census and Statistics Department, and Customs and Excise Department.
Hactl’s shareholders are Jardine Matheson & Co., Ltd (41.67%), Hutchison Port Holdings Ltd (20.83%), The Wharf (Holdings) Ltd (20.83%) and China National Aviation Corporation (Group) Ltd (16.67%).
SuperTerminal 1 at a glance
• Opened 1998
• 395,000 sqm floor area
• 3,500 bay, multi-level container storage system, served by 40 fully-automated driverless ATVs
• Additional storage for 1,573 empty units
• 10,000 bay automated stillage storage/retrieval system for loose cargo (box storage system)
• More than 466 pallet workstations
• 313 truck docks
• 2,400 staff
• Facilities for livestock/bloodstock, perishables (30 dedicated truck docks), valuables (dedicated zone for handling 9 armoured vehicles simultaneously), hazardous/radioactive cargo
• Over 1,000 CCTV cameras throughout; card-controlled access; personnel-free cargo storage zones
• Design capacity: 3.5 million tonnes per annum
• Record throughput in one day: 10,184 tonnes
• Initial investment: US$1 billion
