Unilode manages the largest global fleet of unit load devices (ULDs), with approximately 160,000 units, including more than 120,000 digital containers and pallets, and provides outsourced ULD management solutions for over 45 airline customers.
In addition, Unilode operates the world’s largest repair network for ULDs and galley carts, with 50 stations at key airports (36 of which are owned by Unilode), providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to more than 50 customers.
Unilode’s asset management, leasing, repair, digital solutions for ULDs, and maintenance and repair services for galley carts, allow customers to focus on flying passengers and cargo while delivering significant cost savings and operational benefits across their networks. The company provides tailor-made outsourcing solutions to meet the specific needs of each business to enhance operations.
ULDs are a core part of Unilode’s business. The company’s roots stretch back to the original ULD management pioneer, Unitpool, who introduced the ULD outsourcing concept to the aviation industry in 2002, and to several ULD and inflight equipment repair specialist companies acquired in the APAC, EMEA, and Americas regions. Today, Unilode is the leading global provider of outsourced ULD management and digital solutions, and ULD and galley cart maintenance and repair services.
ULD management solutions
Running a fleet of ULDs is often mission-critical, with the risk of unforeseen costs never far away.
Therefore, Unilode helps customers to reduce their ULD-driven costs across six key areas:
- Capital and operating costs
- Maintenance and repair
- Tracking or replacing lost ULDs and pallet nets
- Peaks and imbalances in ULD demand
- Fluctuating fuel prices
- Opportunity costs
The company works closely with airline customers to deliver total cost of ownership (TCO) clarity through an initial cost audit and analysis. Unilode is then able to provide the right solutions for the network, either through its ULD pool, a dedicated fleet, or a hybrid model. Partnering with Unilode means customers benefit from smarter ULD solutions for passenger and cargo networks, as well as cost savings and operational assets.
Digital ULD solutions for airlines
Since winning the inaugural IATA Air Cargo Innovation Award in 2015 with its ULD tracking solution CanTrack, Unilode has been working closely with industry partners to enhance Unilode’s digital ULD tracking technology across the end-to-end value chain to provide the most benefit to its customers.
Unilode has partnered with leading ULD manufacturers and technology providers to combine the experience of all parties to build the digital transformation programme. The collaborations have delivered world-class attachment methods for the digital installation of aviation pallets, featuring unique form factors, and integrated and durable corner pieces. The container tags can be installed in containers manufactured by any original equipment manufacturer (OEM) during manufacturing or retrospectively. In 2019, Unilode was awarded its second IATA Air Cargo Innovation Award for its breakthrough digital transformation programme.
The digital tag technology used in the ULDs is based on Bluetooth 5 and is fully DO-160 compliant, approved for in-flight use, and guarantees interoperability. It enables location tracking and the measurement of temperature, humidity, light, and shock in air freight shipments, which is especially important for time-critical and temperature-sensitive cargo such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, and high-value items.
Unilode is digitising its entire ULD fleet and is rolling out a global reader infrastructure at airports, in warehouses, and on mobile devices. Web dashboards and portable devices make digital data available to customers within seconds. Unilode’s digital ecosystem provides transparency, control, and visibility across the supply chain and contributes to customers’ efforts to optimise operations, increase efficiency, and provide better quality assurance to all players in the value chain. Additionally, the digital ecosystem can be used for ULDs, galley carts, dollies, and other equipment.
Aviation ULD leasing solutions
Unilode can help clients overcome the challenges of ULD shortages with leasing periods, available from as little as seven days, thanks to its global network of storage and repair service centres. The company has decades of experience in ULD management, leasing, and MRO services, and owns and operates the largest fleet of ULDs in the industry.
Benefits of leasing from Unilode include:
- Flexible leasing periods
- Tailored leasing solutions to serve specific needs, such as multi-year leasing, lease-to-own, branded leasing, or ULD consignment stock
- International pick-ups and returns across Unilode’s global leasing network
- Access to Unilode’s worldwide repair network to help maintain serviceability
- Master leasing agreements to remove administrative burdens
Unilode leases PMC, PAG, PRA (16ft), PGF (20ft) pallets, and AKE containers, and offers tailored leasing solutions for special ULDs at key air cargo hubs in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the US.
ULD and galley cart MRO solutions
Ensuring the ongoing airworthiness and compliance of multiple assets across a global network whilst reducing costs can be challenging, so Unilode provides its customers with repair services internationally or at a single station.
The company’s solutions remove the burden and unnecessary costs associated with shipping damaged equipment, which helps to increase space for revenue-generating cargo. Unilode’s regional management teams, skilled technicians, strong OEM relationships for technical and spare parts support, and CAA, CAAS, CASA, MOLIT, HKAR, EASA, and FAA Part 145 certifications ensure fast turnaround times and value for money.
In addition to the core ULD and galley cart maintenance and repair solutions, Unilode also offers ULD assembly, seven-point preventive maintenance checks and barcoding for galley carts, galley inserts maintenance and repair, ground support equipment (GSE) maintenance and repair, pallet net repair, aircraft seating maintenance, inflight entertainment upgrades, and batteries for cool containers. The company can also supply and pre-condition dry ice and provide accessories such as nets or straps.