What is and how to enable and configure Advanced Cargo System?

[Lukas Jankauskas]

What is Advanced Cargo System?

Advanced Cargo System (ACS for short further down in this post) is our implementation of more detailed cargo loading for cargo airlines. It allows VAs to set up 'container types' detailing what is being loaded (pineapples, engine parts or whatever else may be). This provides greater immersion for the pilot - they pick what cargo they want to carry as well as how much.

[Lukas Jankauskas]

How to enable Advanced Cargo System?

Advanced Cargo System has 2 'enable' switches. Both are located in Orwell -> Management -> Airline Settings and should be visible to all staff with appropriate access.

The switches are located in 'Advanced VDS Settings' section:

• Show Advanced Cargo Options - enables visibility of settings for staff to set up ACS. It does not activate in Phoenix and is invisible to pilots. This is the switch you should turn on if you want to set up ACS. If you are not interested - this switch should remain off, as you might get confused by additional options which do not apply to you.
• Enable Advanced Cargo - This switch must only be enabled after you finished the configuration of ACS as per this forum post. Once enabled, pilots will get to experience the ACS. Please note - existing bookings will not be affected. It will only apply to new bookings.

How to configure Advanced Cargo System?

All steps listed are MANDATORY and must be fully complete for ACS to work. 

1. Ensure your cargo aircraft (ones which do not carry passengers) are in their own 'Aircraft Type'.
   This is done via VDS -> Management -> Aircraft.
   If you have a mixed fleet list (for example B747 passenger and freighter versions in one type, move the freighters to a new type using 'Add Aircraft Type' button. Give it a different name)
2. Assign Fleet Type to your cargo fleets.
   This is done via VDS -> Management -> Aircraft only. Expand fleet list of your cargo fleet and click 'Edit Aircraft Type'. In the window which opens, change the Fleet Type from PAX Only to Cargo Only. Be sure to repeat it for all your cargo types.
3. Double-check and insert 'Max Cargo' and 'Max Container Units' for each of your cargo aircraft.
   This is done via VDS -> Management -> Aircraft or importers. For VDS -> Expand your cargo fleet list and click Edit on each aircraft.
   Max Cargo is the maximum value in kilograms only (no grams - i.e. full numbers -> 1500 is correct, 1.5 is not).
   Max Container Units is a new entry. In positive integer only (1, 50, 1000 etc. 50.59 is incorrect) specify maximum available volume in aircraft. 
   We leave up to you how to come up with the value. You can insert maximum number of ULDs aircraft can carry and call it a day. However, for maximum utilization and save you some headache later on when you want to create a pallet loads etc, try coming up with available floorspace and then construct your containers appropriately.
   Repeat for all cargo aircraft. If you choose to use the importer to edit these numbers, please follow the importer documentation.
4. Create Load Factor Presets
   You must create at least one Load Factor Preset and declare it to be the Default
   This is done via VDS -> Management -> Load Factors
   Please check the note on the Load Factors page and create as many presets as you want. Please use unique names - they are not visible for pilots. All fields are required when creating Load Factor.
   Load Factor presets allow you to limit how much cargo can be carried on a route, pair or from airport. This is particularly useful if you want to implement a limit on very long routes, where full load is not possible or to better simulate thinner routes.
5. Customize Load Factor assignments.
   This can be done via VDS. As mentioned - Load factors can be assigned on an airport level, pair level and route level. If no overrides are made, the Default will be used. The order of override is as follows - route -> pair -> airport -> system default.
   If you choose to use the importer, please follow the importer documentation.
6. Create Containers
   This done in VDS -> Management -> Containers.
   Check the note on the page and create as many as you want. All the fields, except notes, are required to create container.
7. Assign Containers
   This is done in VDS. Containers can be assigned on an airport, pair or route level, depending on your desires. The order of override is as follows - route -> pair -> airport.
8. Enable Advanced Cargo Booking switch in Orwell -> Management -> VDS Settings.