Cathay Pacific has renewed a full-service unit load device (ULD) management agreement with Unilode Aviation Solutions until 2027.
The companies have partnered on a range of ULD-related services and innovation projects since 2014. These include the integration of Unilode readers into stations across the Cathay Pacific route network, as part of the rollout of Unilode’s digitalisation solution.
This has resulted in full coverage of Cathay Pacific’s ULD fleet and worldwide network of 120 stations, the companies said, creating the world’s largest digital ULD solution utilised by an airline.
Cathay Pacific and Unilode will now build on this milestone by partnering on several joint cargo projects, framing an upcoming five-year digital roadmap to improve operational efficiencies, transparency and data accuracy throughout the supply chain. Cathay Pacific will be the pioneer airline in feeding use cases for digital projects to Unilode, generating solutions which the partners said would benefit the entire aviation industry.
“Cathay Pacific Cargo is pleased to renew its contract with Unilode. The refreshed partnership goes beyond traditional ULD leasing and management, with increased commitment from Unilode of digital resources to facilitate Cathay Pacific Cargo’s agenda to further drive productivity, efficiency and safe operations through digitalisation initiatives,” said Cathay Pacific’s general manager cargo service delivery Frosti Lau.
“Hong Kong is a global hub for specialist and high-value cargo shipments, and Unilode’s digitalisation solution will enable us to offer additional benefits to Cathay Pacific’s special-cargo customers. We value the commitment of Unilode’s senior management team to enhanced assurance of supply for Cathay Pacific, as well as digital project delivery in the next few years.”
Unilode’s chief executive officer Ross Marino commented: “Cathay Pacific is Unilode’s largest ULD management customer, operating a fleet of approximately 26,000 containers and pallets. We are delighted and proud to continue providing our full-service ULD management solutions to Cathay Pacific.
“We are also excited to broaden the scope of our partnership as we explore new products and services together in order to enhance our service offering. We concluded several trials together in the early stages of our digital development and Cathay Pacific has always been supportive and cooperative in our digital journey. We thank Cathay Pacific for their loyalty, trust and confidence in Unilode, and we look forward to working together for many more years to come.”