10.12.2024 | Aluminium Association

Aluminium aviation containers and pallets have passed all stages of certification tests and received type certificates from the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC). This important event for the Russian aviation industry was made possible thanks to the joint work of the Aluminium Association and partners.

Obtaining such a certificate confirms that the products fully comply with all the standards and requirements enforced internationally and in Russia. The aviation container and container pallet are entirely homegrown innovations; previously, airlines and ground services relied on products made abroad. The products are made of 7xxx-series extrahigh tensile aluminium alloy. With a load capacity of 1.5 tonnes, the aircraft container is able to withstand 5 g-forces, while maintaining structural integrity. For instance, an LD3 container (DKH) has a load capacity of 1588 kg with a weight of 75 kg, while an LD3 container (DKE) has a load capacity of 1225 kg with a weight of 66 kg. The containers are suitable for both foreign and Russian-made aircraft, including various models of Airbus and Boeing, as well as MS-21 and Tu-214. Aviation pallets are pallets designed for the transportation of luggage and cargo in a wide-body, as well as in some types of narrow-body aircraft. A pallet weighs 91 kg, and its maximum cargo load can exceed 6,800 kg.

'In the past, aviation palletising equipment wasn't certified in our country, so the IAC Aviation Registry created a certification baseline, which was used to develop a test programme and methodology. Unique testing equipment was designed and created at the production base. Based on the results of tests conducted in October 2024, type certificates were obtained for products by Avia-Profit. The possession of certificates is a mandatory requirement for all airlines and creates significant opportunities for domestic products,' explains Artur Arutyunov, an expert in the Aviation and Space sector of the Aluminium Association.

The palletising solution includes a special-purpose container intended for the air transportation of luggage, cargo and mail.

The Russian fleet of aviation containers currently totals about 13 thousand units, with an average age of 6 years. Per experts' opinion, the demand for new aviation packaging equipment in the country should increase by 1,175 units annually.

Why aluminium? It is durable; stable in any climate (± 60 °C); strong and corrosion-resistant; recyclable; can recoup the investment after use.

'Aviation palletising equipment is highly sought-after in the market. Every year, the demand for it increases due to the deterioration of the existing containers and pallets. Obtaining a type certificate will allow for closing this need. Russian aluminium companies offer products that successfully compete with imported counterparts in terms of cost and quality, contributing to the technological sovereignty of the Russian industry,' said Irina Kazovskaya, Chair of the Aluminium Association.