Pooling

Pooling is CHEP Aerospace's flagship service; it is the programme that more than 25 airline customers generate the most benefit from.

How does Pooling work?

• We purchase the airline’s airworthy ULDs at a mutually agreed-upon price based on the age and condition of the units; these units are then added to the common pool (we do not retain a fleet per airline).

• A standard stock level, by airport, is agreed upon between the airline and its CHEP Aerospace Account Manager; the volume takes into account synergies from network overlaps, allowing the airline to reduce the buffer stock that it would normally keep to secure its operation stand-alone.

• The stock level is scalable monthly to match the airline’s operational changes in any given month (taking into account schedule changes, aircraft changes, charter operations, seasonal peaks and valleys).

• The airlines pay for the agreed stock level on the basis of a monthly fee per ULD.

• Through standard messaging (UCM, SCM, LUC), received either via SITA or email into CHEP Aerospace’s system “Tracker”, the Bangkok operations team is able to manage the fleet and stock levels across the network; with a 24/7/365 operation we are able to track and trace units faster than with a stand-alone airline operation, and can react immediately to address any imbalances in the network.

• CHEP Aerospace, working with its airline partners, ensures the repositioning of ULDs to keep stocks balanced across the network.

• Working with a global network of repair partners, CHEP Aerospace is responsible to ensure the airworthiness of each and every unit in the fleet.

• CHEP Aerospace is responsible to buy new equipment: to replace lost, stolen or beyond-economic-repair (BER) units, to meet the existing network demands and the planned growth objectives of its airline partners.

Benefits of Pooling

• No more CAPEX for ULD – turn a cash-intensive operation into a variable cost item, with full scalability according to aircraft fleet and network needs.

• The pooling effect – by pooling ULD stocks, CHEP Aerospace's customers can reduce the inefficiency buffer that otherwise forces them to overstock their fleets to ensure availability of units.

• Reduce management attention & communication with suppliers – Whilst the airline retains the contractual control of Ground Handlers, CHEP Aerospace takes over management of the ULD fleet and communication with the field agents, as well as with suppliers, like repairs and manufacturers, for which CHEP Aerospace takes on full control.

• No more IT investment in ULD tools – CHEP Aerospace provides its customers with full transparency on ULD availability and movements via their password protected, user-friendly web-based system “Web Tracker”.

• Improved cost management – because the airline is now dealing with a scalable variable cost, and operational requirements are typically known in advance, the outsource solution helps support business planning, budget, cash flow, etc.

• Fuel cost saving and operational streamlining through reduced transportation of damaged ULDs.

• Extensive global operations – with a network of over 300 stations, in addition to providing synergies from network overlaps, it can readily support schedule changes and ad-hoc operations.