AirAsia X and Unitpool contract

AIRAsia X has signed a five-year extension of agreement with Swiss asset management company, Unitpool to support the airline’s cargo growth plans.With the extension of this agreement, Unitpool will provide ULDs for AirAsia X, until 2014.The agreement is expected to help AirAsia X meet its projected target of MYR 50 million in cargo revenue in 2010, a more than 60 per cent increase from the MYR 30 million revenue it expects to achieve in 2009.“Extending our relationship with Unitpool assures us that our needs concerning the procurement, repair and positioning of ULDs are met. It allows us to push forward our growth strategy and to give more attention to the marketing of our passenger seats and cargo space. It also frees AirAsia X from taking the build-up risk of acquiring large numbers of ULDs – based merely on anticipation – before they are actually required,” said Sathis Manoharen, regional head of cargo of AirAsia X.Meanwhile, Unitpool chief executive officer, David Harman, said: “We are absolutely delighted to grow our relationship with AirAsia X, which is expanding operations and has huge plans for its cargo business. We are excited about our continued participation in its growth and success. The extended agreement allows us to follow through on plans to add Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the growing network of airports with a Unitpool-dedicated presence.”