How much does an AKE container weigh and carry?

A standard AKE has a tare weight of about 82 kg, with lightweight versions starting near 65 kg. The maximum gross weight is 1,588 kg, which leaves roughly 1,506 kg of payload for a standard unit.

What do AKE and LD3 mean?

AKE is the IATA three-letter ULD code. The first letter gives the type (A is a certified container), the second the base size (K), and the third the contour (E). LD3 is the older ATA name for the same container and is still widely used in the industry.

Which aircraft can carry an AKE?

AKE containers fit the lower deck of most wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A300, A310, A330, A340 and A350, and the Boeing 747, 767, 777 and 787, as well as the DC-10 and MD-11. They do not fit narrow-body aircraft such as the A320, which use the AKH instead.

What is the difference between an AKE and an AKH?

The AKH (LD3-45) is a lower, wider container built for narrow-body aircraft such as the A320 family. It is about 1,067 mm tall internally, compared with 1,550 mm for the AKE, and has a wing on both sides rather than one.

What is the AKE internal volume?

The AKE holds about 4.5 m³ (159 ft³). Some carriers quote 4.3 m³ because of differences in container construction, so confirm the figure with the airline before booking.

How does an AKE compare with a PMC pallet?

The PMC is a flat 3,175 × 2,438 mm main-deck pallet that can be built up to the contour height, while the AKE is an enclosed lower-deck container. The AKE suits mixed loose cargo and baggage, while the PMC suits large or heavy consignments that do not fit inside a container.

AKE (LD3) ULD Dimensions

The most common lower-deck air cargo container on wide-body aircraft

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Base footprint

1.56m × 1.53m

Overall width

2.01m

Overall height

1.63m

Internal volume

4.5 m³

Max gross weight

1,588 kg

Tare weight

82 kg

Max payload

1,506 kg

Floor load limit

976 kg/m²

Door opening

1.47m × 1.55m

Deck

Lower deck

IATA code

AKE (LD3)

Values follow IATA ULD technical specifications. Tare weight varies by manufacturer; lightweight AKE variants start around 65 kg.

AKE in practice: aircraft, contour and loading

Compatible aircraft

The AKE (LD3) fits the lower deck of most wide-body aircraft, and its angled side lets two containers sit side by side across the hold.

A300A310A330A340A350747767777787DC-10MD-11

Typical use

The AKE carries loose cargo, baggage and consolidated pallets in the lower deck. Its one-sided contour matches the fuselage curve, which is why it is loaded in a fixed orientation with the angled side toward the hull.

Contour

One lower corner is cut at an angle, giving a 1,562 mm base that widens to 2,007 mm at the top. Usable internal width is therefore smaller than the overall width, so measure the cargo against the base footprint.

Loading limits

Maximum gross weight is 1,588 kg including the container, leaving about 1,506 kg of payload. Spread heavy items across the floor and keep cargo inside the contour to avoid contact with the aircraft sidewall.

Compare ULD sizes Air Freight ULD Guide

AKE (LD3) — Frequently Asked Questions

The AKE has a base of 1,562 × 1,534 mm (61.5 × 60.4 in), an overall height of 1,626 mm (64 in) and an overall width of 2,007 mm (79 in) at the widest point. The door opening is about 1,473 × 1,549 mm.

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