Products & Services

ULD Fleet

We have close to 31'800 ULD in our fleet, split almost evenly between containers and pallets, 10'212 and 21'611 respectively.  In addition, we have approximately 430 specialist ULD, including catering AKE, DQF, forkable AKE, 96" x 125" car racks, as well as collapsable units.

Our ULD are branded with our Unitpool logo and our own IATA code, R7.

Today, except for some 1'200 LD3 Aerobox units and 400 lightweight AKE from 3 key suppliers, most of our fleet is Aluminum.  This will however change in the months to come as we embark on a program to reduce the overall weight of our units, especially as it pertains to LD3 containers. 

There are many airlines looking to improve the efficiency of their aircraft fleets (especially with regards to fuel consumption) with models like the A350, A380 and the B777 and B787.  These changes will have an impact on demand for LD3, and in order to get the full benefit on fuel consumption for these long range airliners, focus will be to combine the effort with Lightweight units.

Lightweight ULDs

The question of lightweight ULDs in on every airline's mind that operates long haul networks, despite the recent truce on jet fuel costs. 

At its highest, extreme pressure from jet fuel prices forced the airlines to take many drastic measures, cutting jobs, reducing capacity, examining the economic viability of operating certain types of aircrafts, revising everything that goes on the aircraft.

There are many estimates of the potential savings for one kilo of weight on an aircraft.  That actual number will vary by airline depending on the aircraft type and long haul network.  Figures vary from 69 EUR to 217 EUR per kg, per year, depending on what time in history we are looking at.

What is clear is that switching to a lighter composite ULD and saving anywhere between 10-15kg per unit, will have a positive impact on jet fuel consumption and cost for any airline operating a long haul network.  Working with Unitpool, can help the airline accelerate the switch from aluminum to light composite units, as we embark on a program to switch our existing AKE fleet.

Management Services

Our flagship service, UComplete, is the Pooling Model.  It's a full outsource solution where Unitpool takes over supply and full management.  We buy the airline's ULD fleet and integrate it into our common pool.  We secure the supply, repair and maintenance of all ULD, and provide our member airlines with the number of airworthy units it needs, where it needs them, when it needs them. 

UControl provides the airline with ULD management services.  We take over tracking, tracing and balancing, and the airline retains ownership and responsibility for repairs and maintenance.

With URepair we manage the repair process on behalf of the airlines, allowing them to tap into our global network of repair provider and benefitting from the rates our extensive volumes provide.

Adhering to UControl and URepair in combination provides the same benefits from an operational standpoint, as UComplete, but diminishes the financial gains that could be derived from pooling, as well as eliminating Capital Expenditure for the airline.

The table below shows the Key Differences between the three service models.

(click on image to enlarge)

Our Service Standards

From experience with our customers, airworthiness and availability of units, especially during season peaks (such as Christmas, Easter, Mid-term Break, etc) stand-out as the most important operational factors.

Airworthiness:  Unitpool’s track record with regards to repairs and ULD maintenance is of the highest level.  All our repair partners are certified and we ensure, through regular audits, that the quality of work is duly maintained.   

Units Availability:  Unit availability during season peaks, as well as timetable changes, is a challenge for everyone, but even more so with limited staff and limited sources to position stock. Standard Operating Procedure at Unitpool is as follows, some time ahead of “the” day, we analyze expected load factors, establish the ULD requirements for the period, and start disposition process ahead of time for the peak.  Because of thorough planning, typically more than one carrier with similar aircrafts calling key stations, and a wide scope of logistics providers, we are able to act quickly with the positioning of units.  Also, supervision on the ground becomes critical during these peak periods, in order to keep stock mis-utilization to a minimum.

In addition to above, Unitpool provides the airlines with KPI reports every month to monitor performance such as UCM and SCM messaging, disposition requests and transportation of empty ULD for own use and 3rd Party Use (i.e. other Unitpool customers).  Our Account Managers have regular meetings with the airline representative to ensure that we are on-top of schedule changes, increase or decrease of aircraft fleet, special requirements such as up-coming charters, cargo loads, etc.  We perform regular station visits, maintain close communication the Ground Handlers, provide training and ensure there is a thorough understanding of each party’s role the ULD management process.