Unilode to manage the ULD fleet of Saudia and Saudia Cargo

Company Unilode Aviation Solutions (Unilode)
Date 05.05.2017

Saudia and Saudia Cargo have awarded the management of their containers and pallets to Unilode Aviation Solutions, the leading global provider of outsourced Unit Load Device (ULD) management and repair solutions, with operations set to start on 1 April 2017.

This new long-term agreement has resulted from a joint tender launched by Saudia and Saudia Cargo, and creates one of the largest ULD management partnerships in the industry. Unilode will set up a regional ULD management office in the airlines’ hubs in Jeddah and Riyadh, and will operate a repair shop in Jeddah for the maintenance and repair of ULDs and galley carts, supplemented by Unilode’s owned worldwide network of 30 repair stations. As an additional service, Unilode will undertake the management of ULD accessories. Saudia and Saudia Cargo have chosen Unilode’s Hybrid ULD Management solution in which the containers are part of a dedicated fleet and the pallets are being supplied from Unilode’s pool.

Saudia CEO, Jaan Albrecht, said: “During the tender process Unilode has demonstrated exceptional knowledge and expertise in all aspects of ULD management and repairs, and has proposed a number of ways which will enable us to improve our operations and enhance the service we provide to our customers. Unilode’s IT and innovation capabilities, ULD management support team structure, own repair stations at key airports, and potential additional services provided such as galley cart repairs, have contributed to our decision to choose Unilode and we look forward to our partnership.”

Saudia Cargo CEO, Nabil Khojah, added: “Saudia Cargo is a major player in the global air cargo market and we count on Unilode’s commitment to help us meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. For our service delivery it is essential that we have the ULDs ready in an airworthy condition when and where we need them, and given Unilode’s fleet now counts over 120,000 ULDs, and they will provide us with additional services such as ULD accessories management, this will ensure the correct ULD availability during our partnership with Unilode.”

Unilode to manage the ULD fleet of Saudia and Saudia Cargo

Unilode President and CEO, Dr. Ludwig Bertsch commented: “We are pleased to announce such a major ULD management agreement, which is a great sign of our business continuity and growth following the change of ownership of our company and our rebranding from CHEP Aerospace Solutions to Unilode Aviation Solutions. Middle Eastern carriers are the world’s fastest growing airlines and we are committed to support our customers’ growth plans which may include the purchase of additional assets and opening of new stations in our ULD management and repair network. We are confident that our flexible and customer-centric way of doing business will live up to the expectations of Saudia and Saudia Cargo and that our partnership will bring significant benefits to all parties.”

Mr. Chris Notter (VP Operations, Saudia Cargo), Mr. Nadeem Malibari (Head of Ground Operations PMO, Saudia) and Dr. Ludwig Bertsch (President and CEO, Unilode) at the ceremony at the World Cargo Symposium in Abu Dhabi

Contact

Unilode Aviation Solutions (Unilode)
Steinackerstrasse 2
Switzerland
8302 Kloten
  • +41 43 255 4141