German leisure airline Condor has awarded Unilode Aviation Solutions a five-year unit load device (ULD) supply and management contract.

Unilode will supply, manage, digitalise and repair Condor’s containers and pallets in a hybrid ULD fleet management model. This consists of ULDs dedicated to the airline’s use and assets shared with other carriers in Unilode’s pool.

Condor operates a fleet of more than 50 aircraft including 15 widebody and 30 narrowbody aircraft. It offers scheduled and charter passenger flights worldwide, in addition to recently initiated cargo flights to European destinations.

“We are delighted to partner with Unilode as we highly value their customised solutions and personalised approach to ULD management,” said Condor commercial director cargo & airport relations & ground handling procurement Bernd Bechtel.

“Given the strong dynamics in the operating environment and the aviation industry in general, the flexible adjustment of ULD stock levels to meet operational requirements was one of the key factors in our decision to partner with Unilode.

“A reliable supply of ULDs is essential for the recovery in our core business of flying passengers, and supports new revenue opportunities, such as our cargo flights. We look forward to growing our operations and working with our new ULD management partner for many years to come.”

Unilode chief commercial officer Marc Groenewegen commented: “We are proud that Condor has decided to entrust Unilode with the management of its ULD fleet. Unilode’s customer-focused way of doing business and providing its airline customers with bespoke solutions continues to be at the heart of everything we do.

“Condor’s network is a great fit for our pool as it overlaps with the destinations of many other Unilode customers. This supports a fast and seamless implementation and provides pooling synergy opportunities to several customer airlines. Condor’s ULDs will shortly be equipped with Unilode’s digital Bluetooth tags for enhanced visibility and efficiency.”