A day in the life – Unlocking air freight excellence with our Dublin airport self-handling team
Estimated reading time 4 minutes
In the fast-paced world of air freight logistics, every second and every touchpoint matter in ensuring that critical cargo arrives safely and on time. At Alltrans, we're redefining this process with our unique self-handling service at strategic airport hubs in Dublin and Maastricht. Our hands-on approach grants us full control over your freight's journey directly on the tarmac – a level of oversight few can match.
What does this mean for your business? It translates into a safer, higher-standard handling service that drastically reduces transit times by eliminating unnecessary third-party handovers and associated risks. Our fully AVSEC-trained teams manage the loading and unloading process, ensuring safety, security, and precision for every shipment, while also contributing to a reduced carbon footprint through optimised ground operations.
We sat down with David Elebert, our Head of Air Operations, to get a glimpse into a 'day in the life' of this dedicated team, revealing how this process can truly benefit your supply chain.
1 ) The night-time operations: our fleet and schedule
The "day" in the life of our self-handling team is, in fact, a carefully planned routine that unfolds primarily under the cover of night. Our dedicated air operations run five days a week, from Tuesday morning through to Saturday morning, to guarantee consistent critical deliveries across key European hubs. We deploy two primary aircraft for these vital routes: a Saab 340, with a maximum capacity of 3 tonnes, which operates our FKB (Freiburg/Basel/Mulhouse) to Dublin (DUB) seasonal route, operative from April to October). For year-round dependability, an ATR 72, boasting a 6-tonne capacity, flies our MST (Maastricht) - BHX (Birmingham) - DUB - MST route. With the FKB-DUB flight typically arriving at 00:30 and departing at 03:20 am, and the MST-BHX-DUB-MST flight arriving at 01:30 and departing at 03:50 am, every minute is accounted for. This demanding schedule, supported by a cut-off time of 11 PM for freight delivery to our screening agents, underscores our commitment to lightning-fast, next-day service.
2) Pre-flight precision: Alltrans team's specialist control
For David and his team, the day begins long before the first cargo flight touches down. Return freight arrives at the warehouse, undergoing precise weighing and dimensioning for Air Waybills (AWBs) and manifesting. David emphasises that having our own team means full control from the outset. "Our clients' freight is our only concern," he shares, highlighting how this dedicated focus ensures a highly personal and careful preparation process that external teams simply can't match. Every detail is managed by familiar, trusted hands, setting the stage for a safer and more efficient operation.
3) On the tarmac: speed in motion & safety assured
When the aircraft lands, it’s all about coordinated efficiency. A team of up to eight Alltrans operators, supported by two forklifts working in tandem – one for unloading the aircraft and another for direct truck loading – ensures a swift turnaround every time. "We've managed to speed up the offloading process by 80 minutes," David reveals. This routine, with delegated roles and continuous internal communication, not only quickens the process but also significantly enhances safety, preventing flight delays and ensuring seamless transitions directly onto our awaiting vehicles.
4) Careful handling to reduce stock damages & loss
Alltrans team's commitment to safety and cargo integrity is paramount. All airside staff undergo rigorous AVSEC training to handle, seal, and move secured freight directly to the aircraft. From thorough walk-around checks on the airfield, precise positioning of freight for optimal weight and balance, to cross-referencing AWBs for outbound cargo, Alltrans team will take care of your shipments throughout every step of the transport process. Our comprehensive track-and-trace IT system further guarantees visibility, with every item scanned "into warehouse" and "to vehicle”, eliminating much of the double-handling and damages, and loss risks often associated with third-party handovers.
The strategic advantage of self-handling
This unique self-handling model fundamentally redefines efficiency for our clients. By taking full control over the export process, from precise preparation to direct aircraft handling, we offer a truly personalised service.
If you’re after a proactive approach and a commitment to safety and efficiency, you can count on our team to ensure your valued cargo reaches its destination swiftly and securely, allowing your business to stay ahead. Experience the difference of truly hands-on air freight excellence, get in touch today.
Learn more about our services
To find out more about how Alltrans can help you, get in touch with a member of our team today.
