Royal Brunei Airlines partners with Unilode Aviation Solutions in providing full ULD Management

Royal Brunei Airlines and Unilode Aviation Solutions, the global leader in Unit Load Device (ULD) management, leasing, repair, and digital solutions, are pleased to announce a new partnership aimed at introducing ULD pooling across Royal Brunei Airlines’ global operations.

This partnership marks a major milestone in Royal Brunei Airlines’ ongoing commitment to operational excellence and environmental sustainability, aligning with the airline’s goals to increase operational efficiency, optimise resources, reduce waste, and lower its carbon footprint across its global network.

In this long-term partnership, Royal Brunei Airlines will transition from managing its own ULD fleet to joining Unilode’s global digitised ULD pool, enabling more flexible, data-driven, cost-efficient, and environmentally responsible cargo and baggage ULD operations.

As part of Unilode’s growing global ULD fleet, Royal Brunei Airlines will benefit from unrivalled access to equipment and expertise on the ground across key airport locations worldwide, ensuring enhanced service reliability and responsiveness. The partnership also provides access to Unilode’s ongoing investment in ULD innovation, digitalisation, MRO network expansion, and its 800-strong ULD experts, which continues to drive value and operational advantages for its partner airlines.

Through Unilode’s extensive global MRO network, Royal Brunei Airlines will benefit from on-demand access to ULD maintenance services, reducing the need for damaged ULD positioning and generating savings in logistics and maintenance costs, while significantly improving operational agility. This is a substantial advantage for an airline with a dynamic and growing route network such as Royal Brunei Airlines.

Unilode’s sustainability-focused operations and advanced digital tracking technologies will provide real-time ULD visibility, improved ULD utilisation, and accurate sustainability reporting, supporting Royal Brunei Airlines’ ability to measure and demonstrate tangible progress in its decarbonisation journey.

Mohammed Akhlaq, Chief Commercial Officer, Unilode Aviation Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Royal Brunei Airlines to our global ULD pooling network. Pooling provides a proven path to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, increase flexibility, and make meaningful progress toward sustainability goals. By joining our growing global ULD fleet, Royal Brunei Airlines will benefit from Unilode’s scale, ground expertise, and continued investment in digital innovation to support future growth. This partnership reflects how forward-looking airlines are rethinking traditional asset ownership to an outsourcing model that achieves smarter, more sustainable operations.”

Badaruddin Hj Bagol, Chief Operations Officer, Royal Brunei Airlines, added: “Partnering with Unilode supports our commitment to responsible growth and operational excellence. The efficiencies and environmental benefits of ULD pooling are clear, and we’re proud to be part of the movement toward more sustainable aviation practices.”

ULD pooling is increasingly being recognised as the new normal for efficient, sustainable operations within the aviation industry. Royal Brunei Airlines’ adoption of this model highlights its forward-thinking approach and leadership in embedding innovation that benefits both the environment and its customers.

About Royal Brunei Airlines:

Established in 1974, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) is the national carrier of Brunei Darussalam. RB operates a fleet of five Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and seven Airbus A320NEOs. From 2018 to 2020, TripAdvisor recognised RB in the Travellers’ Choice Regional Airlines (Asia) category for three consecutive years. In 2019, RB received a Five-Star rating from APEX, ranked 66th in the Top 100 Airlines, and won Four Stars at the SKYTRAX Awards. RB’s commitment to safety and service was reaffirmed in 2021 with a seven-star COVID-19 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com.

That same year, RB also won Asia’s and the World’s Leading Cabin Crew titles from the World Travel Awards (WTA), honours it proudly retained through 2022. In 2024, RB was named Muslim-Friendly Airline of the Year by Crescent Rating and received the World’s Leading Cabin Crew award from WTA for the fifth consecutive year. In 2025, RB received the APEX Best in Cabin Service & Food and Beverage Award in East Asia, was recognised as an APEX Four-Star Major Airline, and was named Asia’s Leading Cabin Crew 2025 by WTA for the fourth time. RB also received the prestigious ASEAN Halal Brand Award 2025, further strengthening its position as an inclusive carrier in the region.

As RB celebrates 50 years of connecting Brunei to the world, the airline continues to deliver exceptional service, grounded in the principles of care, community, and ikhlas – sincerely from the heart.

About Unilode:

Unilode Aviation Solutions owns and manages the world’s largest and continually growing outsourced fleet of over 200,000 ULDs for use in the aviation industry, and owns the largest global network for the maintenance and repair of ULDs and galley carts. Unilode focuses on the outsourced management and associated services for aviation containers, pallets, and inflight food service equipment, and serves 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 across the world.

For more information about Unilode, visit www.unilode.com.

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