Qatar Airways Cargo and outsourced Unit Load Device (ULD) management, repair, and digital services company Unilode Aviation Solutions have announced their partnership to digitalise the airline's fleet of over 42,000 ULDs.

The partnership represents the largest ULD digitalisation programme undertaken by an airline. 

In the announcement, Qatar Airways Cargo said it will leverage Unilode's advanced ULD digitalisation capabilities to gain data-driven insights and real-time visibility into ULD locations, sensory data, and asset utilisation rates. 

"Through Unilode's digital technologies, Qatar Airways Cargo will continue to strengthen its position to be at the forefront when it comes to streamlining operations, optimising resources, increasing revenue opportunities, and boosting performance," it said.

"The partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo will make sure Unilode's tag and reader network is further extended to cover the carriage of ULDs on the airline's global passenger and cargo network."

 [Source: Qatar Airways Cargo]

Qatar Airways Cargo said E-ULD will support the tag and reader network, Unilode's in-house developed mobile app and web portal that enables real-time visibility & tracking of ULDs, and Unilode's Enterprise Data Warehouse and customer portal, which provide the airline with enhanced data analytics to improve ULD utilisation and further reduce costs.

"We are excited to join forces with Unilode to embark on this groundbreaking transformative digital journey. Our shared vision for ULD digitalisation and innovation will undoubtedly set new benchmarks for operational excellence in the air cargo industry, enabling us to elevate our customer experience and further optimise our resources," said Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo.

"By implementing Unilode's innovative digital solutions, we can allocate ULDs more effectively across our vast network of destinations, and this, in turn, will increase asset utilisation, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation," he added.

Meanwhile, Ross Marino, chief executive officer at Unilode, said the collaboration with Qatar Airways Cargo represents a major digital milestone in the industry.

"This reinforces our commitment to our digital journey and providing our customers with technology-based solutions for their own fleet or as part of our full-service ULD management solutions," he said.

"With this partnership, we are confident it will reshape ULD digitalisation across the industry and contribute to a more connected, efficient, and sustainable aviation ecosystem," Marino added.