Global transport and logistics services provider GEODIS has agreed a five-year unit load device (ULD) supply, management and repair agreement with Unilode Aviation Solutions.

Unilode will supply containers and pallets to GEODIS, as well as provide a full range of ULD management solutions, including procurement, planning logistics, repair and digitalisation.

GEODIS currently leases one A330-300 aircraft, converted into a freighter, and flies to AMS, ORD, STN, and HKG.

Commenting on the agreement, GEODIS’ senior vice president global air freight Stanislas Brun said: “As airfreight capacity offered by airlines has significantly decreased during the pandemic, we decided to lease our own freighter aircraft to ensure air cargo space availability for our customers and increase the speed of their shipments.

“Unilode’s ULD management services proved to be the most convenient and appropriate solution for GEODIS’ start-up airline activities as in addition to supplying the necessary stock of ULDs at all our destinations, Unilode also takes care of all ULD-related operational tasks.

“We are pleased with our newly formed partnership and are confident that our cooperation will be further developed in terms of volume and services.”

Unilode’s chief commercial office Marc Groenewegen added: “GEODIS’ investment into its own dedicated aircraft is a great example of freight forwarders taking ownership to overcome air cargo capacity shortages.

“From Unilode’s pooled ULD fleet we are able to quickly supply containers and pallets needed for GEODIS’ freighter aircraft operations.

“Additionally, we also reduce costs and carbon emissions associated with the repositioning of damaged equipment, as Unilode has its own ULD repair centres covering GEODIS’ destinations in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the USA, and Hong Kong.”