Alitalia opts for lightweight ULDs

UNIT load device (ULD) outsource specialist Jettainer is to replace Alitalia’s entire fleet of ULDs with state-of-the-art, lightweight containers.
The Italian airline’s 650 AKE containers, used for carrying belly hold freight and luggage on passenger aircraft, will be renewed by the end of this year, as part of its extended contract with the company.
Gianluigi Lo Giudice, vice-president, ground operations, Alitalia, comments: “Working with Jettainer has resulted in a prominent increase of productivity for our ULD-management in recent years.”
The replacements reduce each of the current containers’ weight by 20 per cent – from 82 kilograms to a maximum of 66 kilograms.
The weight reduction will result in a significant reduction in fuel consumption and in turn lower CO2 emissions, a statement says.
Carsten Hernig, the new managing director of Jettainer, adds: “In order to also consistently increase our level of service, we are going to appoint an employee for Milano Linate Airport to monitor the processes at the location.” 
Jettainer also plans to introduce the JettAPP, a mobile application that provides the carrier with the fast, precise container data, the statement adds.