TUI Group renews its ULD management deal with Unilode

Unilode Aviation Solutions, a provider of global outsourced ULD management and repair solutions, has renewed its partnership agreement with TUI in a move that will see it supply and manage the group’s containers and pallets for a further 10-year term.

Gunther Hofman, director of ground operations at TUI Aviation, commented: “TUI Group airlines have partnered with Unilode for 12 years for the supply and management of ULDs.

“During this time Unilode has successfully handled the specific challenges that come with our airline operation, including significant differences between the summer and winter schedules of our airlines and the operational needs triggered by our ad-hoc flights.

“We have discussed with Unilode how we could further enhance operational efficiencies and decrease our costs, building on the close collaboration we have established over the years,” Hofman continued.

“Our negotiations have resulted in a new 10-year agreement for all TUI Group airlines, and we look forward to growing our partnership with Unilode.”

Benoît Dumont, Unilode’s chief executive, remarked: “TUI Group has grown significantly since 2007, when our first ULD management agreement was signed.

“Customer retention is just as important as winning new business as it proves the value Unilode brings to its customers’ operations over the course of the cooperation.

“Unilode is committed to further strengthen[ing] the partnership with TUI Group with continuously outstanding service and customer-focused solutions, which in turn enable TUI Group to focus on their core business of flying passengers to dream destinations.”

Last month (May), Unilode confirmed that it had added short- and medium-term leasing services to its portfolio of ULD solutions.

The step gives customers access to PMC and heavy-duty pallets from various strategic storage locations worldwide. More ULD types will be available soon, Unilode also noted.

The company’s current leasing network includes London Heathrow, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Frankfurt, Milan-Malpensa and Hong Kong, with expansion into the US (Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles and Miami) to be followed by other locations in due course.

Unilode owns and manages approximately 125,000 ULDs.