flydubai has signed a long-term agreement with Unilode Aviation Solutions for fully outsourced Unit Load Device (ULD) management as the Dubai-based airline expands its passenger and cargo operations and prepares for future fleet growth.
Under the agreement, Unilode will manage flydubai’s ULD requirements for both passenger and cargo freighter operations, including its planned Boeing 787 Dreamliner widebody operations.
The programme will cover ULD supply, maintenance and repair, fleet planning, repositioning and digital asset tracking, supported by Unilode’s global maintenance and repair network.
ULDs, including specialised boxes and pallets used in aircraft cargo holds, are essential to efficient cargo handling.
Unilode’s digital tracking technology and logistics infrastructure will provide flydubai with greater visibility of its equipment, improve asset utilisation and help ensure ULDs are available where required.
Since launching operations in 2009, flydubai has expanded its network to more than 125 destinations across 56 countries, supporting Dubai’s role as an international aviation and trade hub.
The airline is now increasing its cargo capabilities as it prepares for dedicated freighter operations and future passenger and cargo services using Boeing 787 aircraft.
Mohamed Hassan, Senior Vice President of Airport Services & Cargo at flydubai, said: “As flydubai continues to progress, having trusted partners that can scale alongside us is essential. This partnership with Unilode supports our ongoing investment in fleet, network and cargo capabilities while helping us maintain the efficiency and flexibility required to serve our customers and support Dubai’s position as a global aviation and trade hub.”
Rashed Albashri, Vice President of Cargo at flydubai, added: “We have a longstanding commitment to investing in the latest technologies and adopting best practices. As we introduce our dedicated freighter operations and prepare for our future Boeing 787 passenger and cargo services, improving the visibility and availability of our cargo equipment becomes increasingly important. Unilode’s digital capabilities and global network will help us optimise operations, improve ULD utilisation and support reliable service delivery across our expanding network.”
Ross Marino, Chief Executive Officer of Unilode Aviation
Solutions, said: “We’re proud to welcome flydubai to the Unilode customer
portfolio. flydubai has established itself as one of the Middle East's most
dynamic and ambitious airlines, and this partnership reflects our shared
commitment to supporting its continued growth.
As flydubai expands its passenger network, strengthens its cargo freighter operations and prepares for future fleet development with the expected delivery of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, our outsourced ULD management solution will provide the flexibility, visibility and operational resilience needed to support every stage of that journey. We look forward to helping flydubai focus on growing its business while we manage its ULD operations.”
The partnership comes ahead of flydubai’s dedicated freighter operations, which are scheduled to begin on 1 October 2026 from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft will operate alongside the airline’s existing belly-hold cargo capacity across its fleet of nearly 100 Boeing 737 aircraft.
The agreement further expands Unilode’s presence in the Middle East and positions the company to support flydubai’s cargo and fleet expansion through digitally enabled ULD management services. -TradeArabia News Service
