Flydubai continues cargo expansion with ULD deal

ULDs Image: © Unilode Flydubai has continued the expansion of its cargo activities with the signing of a new ULD deal with Unilode. The airline, which recently launched freighter activities for the first time , signed a long-term agreement with Unilode Aviation Solutions to provide full ULD management services. 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. Rashed Albashri, vice president of cargo at flydubai, added: “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.” Unilode Aviation Solutions chief executive Ross Marino said: “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.” Flydubai launched dedicated freighter operations to complement its passenger bellyhold operations. The expansion into freighter operations will see the carrier add three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft to its fleet through a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir. Operations started on 1 October and the freighters will complement the airline’s existing fleet of 98 passenger 737 aircraft. FlyDubai said operations would provide immediate maindeck capability in time for the fourth quarter peak season. Tags: flydubai Unilode Unilode Aviation Solutions Author: Damian Brett Award-winning journalist Damian has been writing about the freight and logistics industry since 2007 when he joined International Freighting Weekly to cover the shipping sector. After a stint in PR, he went on to work for Containerisation International and Lloyd’s List - where he was editor of container shipping - before joining Air Cargo News in 2015.