AirAsia X, the Malaysia-based long-haul low-cost airline affiliate of the AirAsia Group, and CHEP Aerospace Solutions have agreed to extend their Unit Load Device (ULD) outsourcing and management partnership until 2018.
The terms of the renewed agreement also include the transition of AirAsia X’s entire baggage container fleet to lightweight composite containers for its growing fleet of A330 and upcoming A350 aircraft. CHEP Aerospace Solutions, the leading independent provider of outsourced ULD and galley cart repair, maintenance and management services will integrate the new lightweight units into AirAsia X’s network in the coming months.
AirAsia X Head of Cargo, Sathis Manoharen, said: “We have decided to renew our ULD management agreement with CHEP Aerospace Solutions based on the excellent service and performance received since the beginning of our partnership in 2007. The financial and operational advantages of outsourcing our ULD management to CHEP have been proven during the previous five years, and we expect additional benefits resulting from the switch to lightweight containers, which weigh 17 kilograms less than traditional aluminium containers. In addition to achieving significant fuel-burn cost savings we also demonstrate our environmental responsibility and commitment as we will be able to greatly reduce our carbon emissions. We look forward to our continued partnership with CHEP.”
CHEP Aerospace Solutions Commercial Director, David Harman, said: “AirAsia X continues its pioneering tradition as it is our first airline partner in Asia to transition to a lightweight container fleet. The extension of our partnership with several airline customers in the recent months proves the long-term value of our ULD management solutions ensuring the lowest total cost of ownership to airlines. Our global maintenance and repair network and 24/7/365 operations centre play an important role in offering leading-edge solutions to all our customers, and we are confident that our partnership with AirAsia X will continue to deliver value to both parties.”