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Unilode Aviation Solutions and American Airlines announce strategic partnership on ULD Management and Digitalisation.
Unilode Aviation Solutions, the global leader in outsourced Unit Load Device (ULD) management, and American Airlines, one of the world’s largest airlines, are pleased to announce a long-term ULD management partnership.
The partnership will take effect from 1 October 2025, where Unilode will provide American Airlines with full ULD management services, leveraging its extensive repair network, asset availability from its vast ULD fleet and cutting-edge digital technology.
Transforming ULD Operations with Digital Innovation
As part of this collaboration, Unilode will equip American Airlines’ ULD fleet with its Bluetooth® and Lora enabled tracking technology, providing unprecedented asset visibility, location tracking, and condition monitoring of ULDs.
Additionally, Unilode’s digital solutions, including the in-house developed eULD app and customer portal, will offer enhanced accessibility and transparency for ULD management. These applications complement Unilode’s world’s largest ULD tag and reader network, enabling American Airlines and its partners to monitor ULD status, track assets seamlessly, maximise ULD utilisation, optimise operational decision-making with real-time data insights. This ongoing digital transformation will enhance the ability to manage ULD movements efficiently, reduce losses, and minimise disruptions across operations.
“American Airlines is committed to investing in innovative solutions that improve operational performance and deliver a seamless experience for our customers,” said Greg Schwendinger, President, of American Airlines Cargo. “Unilode’s expertise in ULD management and digital tracking technology will play a crucial role in modernizing our operations and ensuring the highest level of reliability and service.”
Network Presence and Operational Excellence
Unilode will also provide extensive ULD maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services across its expansive U.S. and global repair network. Additionally, Unilode will expand and grow its Americas Customer Success team to support American Airlines’ operations, ensuring seamless coordination and service delivery. Planning and positioning of ULD assets will be managed from Unilode’s state-of-the-art Operations Control Center (OCC) in Bangkok, providing optimised resource allocation and real-time decision-making support.
“We are thrilled to partner with American Airlines to support their ULD operations with our innovative solutions,” said Ross Marino, CEO of Unilode Aviation Solutions. “Our digital tracking capabilities and expertise in ULD management will bring significant benefits to American Airlines’ cargo and passenger operations, and we look forward to a successful collaboration for many years to come. We sincerely thank American Airlines for placing their trust in Unilode”
Mohammed Akhlaq, Chief Commercial Officer, Unilode Aviation Solutions, continues… “This partnership underscores the strength of our ULD management solutions and the dedication of our team to providing a world-class service. We look forward to working closely with American Airlines and contributing to their continued success.”
This partnership marks a milestone in expanding Unilode’s extensive asset coverage across the Americas, taking it to nearly 200,000 ULDs deployed worldwide. By enhancing global asset availability and digital tracking, this collaboration further reinforces Unilode’s position as a leader in providing ULD management solutions.
About American Airlines Group: As a leading global airline, American Airlines offers thousands of flights per day to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connecting with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. To Care for People on Life’s Journey®.
Answering your questions
When does the partnership with American Airlines and Unilode commence? Unilode and American Airlines are set to launch their comprehensive ULD partnership on 1 October 2025. Leading up to this date, both companies will collaborate closely to make sure a seamless transition from the existing provider, to prevent any disruptions in operations.
What does the partnership include in terms of services, technology, and geography? The collaboration between Unilode Aviation Solutions and American Airlines involves a multi-year agreement to oversee all ULD needs.
- This partnership encompasses:
- Daily ULD management,
- Maintenance and repairs,
- and advanced digital solutions.
As part of the digital solutions, Unilode’s innovative technology, which features digital tags utilising Bluetooth 5 and LORA-enabled technology. Allowing precise tracking for American Airlines through our comprehensive growing digital reader network currently at 780 airports around the world and on mobile devices globally.
In addition to access to the largest fleet and repair services, American Airlines will leverage Unilode’s dedicated In-house IT/Digital Teams, Customer Success Management, and Operational Control Centre in Bangkok. These resources will facilitate the processing of digital sightings, SITA messages, and ULD repair information, thereby enhancing the tracking of ULD movements and statuses. Our Customer Portal will also provide valuable insights into fleet inventory and key performance indicators, including updates on digital tagging, turnaround times, repair volumes, and replacement needs.
Where will American Airlines Cargo fit in terms of Unilode’s customers? At Unilode, we take pride in collaborating with both established large names and emerging brands across the aviation sector. Our commitment is to offer tailored solutions that cater to unique requirements, regardless of scale, while ensuring a best-in-class service designed specifically for them.
With American Airlines now partnering with Unilode, they will become one of our largest clients, benefiting from the same exceptional service that we provide to all our customers.