Cargolux Airlines International has signed an agreement with Trinkaus-Solutions to use its squAir-timber product, lightweight beam with a load capacity of 10 tonnes while being significantly lighter than the beams they replace.

The new beams are 80 per cent lighter than conventional wood, which Cargolux says increased payload and lowers fuel consumption of its aircraft, and claims it will reduce fuel consumption by 1,200 tonnes a year.

The cardboard fibre composite beams only contain raw materials from sustainable sources, weigh 1.2 kilogrammes per metre and are resistant to humidity, and enable shorter build-up times, eliminating the need for forklifts. They can also be reused and are 100 per cent recyclable with lower disposal costs than wooden materials.

Cargolux executive vice president global logistics, Lars Syberg says: “The use of modern, environmentally-conscious tools in air cargo underlines our standing as a green cargo carrier at a time when many of our customers put more emphasis on working with a partner who is aware of its responsibility towards the world we live in.”

“In addition, Trinkaus-Solutions provides us with products that make Cargolux more efficient and faster with the added advantage of lower costs. It’s an all-round winner for us.”