2. CARGO HOLDS DESCRIPTIONS
All Airbus aircraft lower decks are divided into 3 cargo holds : forward (FWD), AFT and BULK.
FWD and AFT holds are divided into 1 or 2 compartments, each compartment being made of
several loading positions defining the position of each type of ULD or the position of bulk cargo
loads.
The cargo holds position arrangement depends on the aircraft fuselage length.

2.1. Bulk cargo system
For the A320 family aircraft the basic way to load cargo is to load it in bulk. For any Airbus
aircraft the most rear cargo hold (BULK : compt 5) is also loaded in bulk.
These holds are equipped with adequate cargo and lining components.

2.1.1. Cargo components
a) Partition nets
These nets are used for cargo loading areas separation. They have fixed locations in each cargo hold and dedicated attachment points on the ceiling and side-wall linings and on the floor panels. There is also a divider net separating AFT and BULK cargo holds. This divider net has to be linked with a tarpaulin.

SYSTEMS

A. CARGO SYSTEMS

SYSTEMS

b) Door net
These nets are used to delimit the entrance door area which must remain unloaded.
c) Attachment point
Attachment points are used to fasten the nets. They are located on the ceiling and side-wall
linings and on the floor panels.
Attachment points in the side-wall and ceiling linings are for nets fastening only.
Attachment points on the floor panels that are not used for nets fastening can be used for load
restraint.

d) Tie-down point
Tie-down points are used to restraint cargo item(s) movement in the cargo hold.
2.1.2. Lining components
a) Floor panel
b) Side wall lining
c) Ceiling
d) Partition wall
Each panel has a defined maximum static area load. These loads are not exceeded if the maximum loads per position and per holds are not exceeded and if loads, which due to their geometry or weight may damage the panel, are tied down at loading.

A. CARGO SYSTEMS

2.2. Cargo Loading Systems (CLS):

The 2-aisle aircraft family is equipped with a semi-automatic, electrically powered cargo loading
system in the FWD and AFT cargo holds.
For A320 family, except for the A318, an option is available to have the cargo loading system
installed.

This cargo loading system is compatible with ULDs designed to meet the class II requirements of
the specification NAS3610 and provides individual ULD baseplate restraint.
It offers a real flexibility for loading as any position can be loaded or remain empty. Locking and
unlocking of ULDs inside the cargo compartments is carried out manually.

ULDs which do not fit into the restraint system due to their geometry can be loaded but they must
be handled in such a manner that neither the ULD nor the items loaded on it will endanger the
　
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