Swiss International Air Lines has awarded Jettainer an extended contract to provide global unit load device (ULD) management and maintenance services for a further five years.
Swiss’ air cargo division Swiss WorldCargo and affiliate Edelweiss Air are included in the contract.
The contract extension will see Jettainer replace more than 650 older AKE containers with lighter and more environmentally friendly lightweight ULDs.
Swiss noted that the measure would help it reduce weight and jet fuel. Compared with traditional AKEs, the lightweight containers can save around 16 kilos per unit. In 2013, Jettainer worked with Swiss WorldCargo to replace its entire XKN fleet used on long-haul flights with AVA containers.
These AVA units weigh around 40 kilos less than XKN and mainly transport valuables and clothing.
Jettainer said it had been supporting Swiss with a local team and dedicated ULD management services since the partnership launched in 2006.
“We are excited to continue to develop our close and long-lasting collaboration with Jettainer,” said Swiss International Air Lines’ head of cargo Lorenzo Stoll.
“With its newer, lightweight models, Jettainer is able to adhere to our sustainability standards and commitments, as we continue to find innovative ways to reduce our global carbon footprint.”
Jettainer’s chief sales officer Thorsten Riekert commented: “ULDs can play a key role in saving huge amounts of jet fuel each year. Each kilogram less and every deadhead flight avoided count. We deliver these savings by efficient ULD management and by deploying innovative lightweight equipment. This approach makes it possible for our customer Swiss International Air Lines to cut costs and improve their environmental footprint.”
