Temperature-controlled airline container specialist Skycooler has awarded a 10-year repair maintenance and digitalisation contract to Unilode.

Under the terms of the agreement, Skycooler’s temperature-controlled containers will be repaired at Unilode’s EASA and FAA-certified repair stations, initially in the UK.

Further locations will be added to meet the needs of Skycooler’s growing network, said Unilode, who will also equip the containers with digital tags for greater supply chain visibility.

Skycooler’s chief executive officer Jorgen Veslov said: “Long-term planning capabilities, reliability and availability of containers are key success factors in our business as our temperature-controlled container leasing operations are integrated within our customers’ supply chain management.

“Our repair agreement with Unilode will allow us to guarantee quick turnaround times of three to seven business days to our customers. Additionally, Unilode’s digital container tags, reader network and customer dashboard will provide Skycooler with real-time fleet visibility. Unilode will ensure consistent repair quality, compliance and transparency, and we look forward to our long-term partnership.”

Unilode’s chief commercial officer and managing director Marc Groenewegen added: “Our new 10-year agreement includes both our repair and digital services as Skycooler has recognised the benefits that Unilode’s digital ULD tags with geolocation and various sensor capabilities can provide for its temperature-controlled container fleet.

“This reflects and confirms the aviation market’s acceptance of Unilode’s digital technology and proves the versatility of our digital solutions that can be used for standard and special ULDs, such as temperature-controlled containers. We look forward to facilitating Skycooler’s growth with Unilode’s repair and digital solutions.”