Reducing resource consumption is one of Atlas’ environment, social and governance (ESG) priorities.
Just two short years ago, Atlas Air Miami Ground Operations Station Manager Arian Castellanos estimates he was ordering new shoring material every one-to-two months. The material, made of various woods and strong structures, is used to support cargo on Unit Load Devices (ULDs) that are placed on Atlas planes in Miami to travel through the South America service network.
Shoring materials are used to support the heavy-duty equipment that Atlas carriers on its freighters, including electric power generators.
Arian saw an opportunity to reduce waste related to used shoring material. In 2019, he worked with his local team and colleagues across the company to implement an enhanced tracking and inventory system to ensure the shoring material would be used more effectively and efficiently.
“Over the past two years, we’ve implemented checks and balances to better control and extend the life of shoring material,” said Arian. “Now we order new material once every six-to-seven months, a significant reduction from the prior one-to-two months. It’s a win-win for us. Not only are we reducing our dependency on these materials, but this initiative is also helping us keep our costs down.”
Machinery parts placed on shoring material are being prepared to be loaded on an Atlas Air 747.
Bob Kiss, who leads Ground Operations for Atlas Air, believes the success of shoring material waste reduction will lead to more sustainable projects by the Company.
“We are always looking for ways to promote sustainable business practices and operate in a more environmentally-friendly manner,” Bob said. “This project is a great example of a small team working together to make an enormous impact on the business. I’m proud of them and grateful we work in an environment with a Company that encourages these initiatives.”
For more information about Atlas’ commitment to ESG priorities, view the 2020 Atlas Air ESG Report.
