flydubai partners with Unilode to power the next phase of passenger and cargo growth with full ULD management

flydubai has signed a long-term agreement with Unilode Aviation Solutions, one of the world’s largest outsourced fleets of Unit Load Devices (ULDs), to provide full ULD management services, as the airline expands its passenger and cargo freighter operations and prepares for future fleet growth.

The partnership marks another important milestone in the airline’s growth while further strengthening Unilode’s presence across the Middle East. Under the agreement, Unilode will deliver a fully outsourced ULD management programme, featuring specialised boxes and pallets that fit inside aircraft cargo holds, for both passenger and cargo freighter operations for the airline’s forthcoming widebody operations of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners and long-term fleet expansion. This includes ULD supply, maintenance and repair, fleet planning, repositioning and digital asset tracking, supported by its global maintenance and repair network.

Since launching operations in 2009, flydubai has built a network spanning more than 125 destinations across 56 countries, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global aviation and trade hub. As the airline continues to expand its cargo capabilities, support freighter programmes and prepare for future fleet growth, access to a scalable, fully managed ULD solution will be key to maintaining operational efficiency and supporting long-term growth strategy.

By managing flydubai’s passenger and cargo ULD fleet, Unilode will help ensure equipment is available where and when it is needed. Supported by Unilode’s digital tracking technology and global logistics infrastructure, the solution will improve fleet visibility, maximise asset utilisation and simplify day-to-day ULD operations.

Mohamed Hassan, Senior Vice President of Airport Services & Cargo at flydubai, said: “As flydubai continues to progress, having trusted partners that can scale alongside us is essential. This partnership with Unilode supports our ongoing investment in fleet, network and cargo capabilities while helping us maintain the efficiency and flexibility required to serve our customers and support Dubai’s position as a global aviation and trade hub.”

Rashed Albashri, Vice President of Cargo at flydubai, added: “We have a longstanding commitment to investing in the latest technologies and adopting best practices. As we introduce our dedicated freighter operations and prepare for our future Boeing 787 passenger and cargo services, improving the visibility and availability of our cargo equipment becomes increasingly important. Unilode’s digital capabilities and global network will help us optimise operations, improve ULD utilisation and support reliable service delivery across our expanding network.”

Ross Marino, Chief Executive Officer of Unilode Aviation Solutions, said: “We’re proud to welcome flydubai to the Unilode customer portfolio. flydubai has established itself as one of the Middle East’s most dynamic and ambitious airlines, and this partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting its continued growth.

As flydubai expands its passenger network, strengthens its cargo freighter operations and prepares for future fleet development with the expected delivery of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, our outsourced ULD management solution will provide the flexibility, visibility and operational resilience needed to support every stage of that journey. We look forward to helping flydubai focus on growing its business while we manage its ULD operations.”

The partnership comes as flydubai expands its cargo operations, including the introduction of its dedicated freighter operations from October 2026. With three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft operating from 01 October 2026 at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), the freighter operation will complement the airline’s existing belly-hold cargo capabilities across its fleet of nearly 100 Boeing 737 aircraft.

The partnership reinforces Unilode’s position as a trusted ULD management partner for airlines across the Middle East and the world, delivering flexible, digitally enabled solutions that improve asset availability, operational performance and long-term efficiency.

About flydubai
From its home in Dubai, flydubai has created a network of more than 125 destinations served by a fleet of nearly 100 aircraft. Since commencing operations in June 2009, flydubai has been committed to removing barriers to travel, creating free flows of trade and tourism and enhancing connectivity between different cultures across its ever-expanding network.

flydubai has marked its journey with a number of milestones:
An expanding network: Created a network of more than 125 destinations in 56 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asia.
Serving underserved markets: Opened more than 100 new routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai.
An efficient single fleet-type: Operates a single fleet-type of nearly 100 Boeing 737 aircraft
Enhancing connectivity: Carried more than 137 million passengers since it began operations in 2009.

About Unilode Aviation Solutions:
Unilode Aviation Solutions owns and manages the world’s largest and continually growing outsourced fleet of over 220,000 ULDs for the aviation industry, and operates the largest global network for ULD and galley cart maintenance and repair.

Unilode provides outsourced management and related services for aviation containers, pallets, and inflight food service equipment. We serve over 90 airlines through a network of more than 480 airports, 18 regional offices, and 50 certified repair stations, supported by more than 800 colleagues worldwide.

Alternatively, please contact: Hayley Willis, Director of Marketing and Communications, Unilode Aviation Solutions Hayley.willis@unilode.com