DELTA AIR LINES is to equip 150 McDonnell Douglas MD-88 and MD-90 airliners with Scandinavian Bellyloading's Sliding Carpet cargo and baggage loading system.
Two cargo systems will be installed in each aircraft, in the fore- and aft-holds.
The Sliding Carpet system, consisting of a Kevlar-reinforced conveyer belt and quick-release bulk- head, is designed to eliminate the need for an employee to work deep within the cargo bay of a narrowbody airliner to assist with loading.
At the start of loading the bulkhead is located next to the cargo door. As available space is filled, the belt moves the bulkhead further into the hold, allowing loading to continue. For unloading, the belt is moved in the opposite direction.
"In addition to the obvious advantages, the Bellyloader provides in speed and ease of handling, it also helps avoid serious problems of injuries and other health issues related to having employees work deep within a 1m-high space," says Anders Helmner, president of Scandinavian Bellyloading.
Source: Flight International
