flydubai signs ULD management deal with Unilode

flydubai has signed a long-term agreement with Unilode Aviation Solutions for full Unit Load Device (ULD) management as the airline expands its dedicated freighter operations and cargo capabilities.

Under the agreement, Unilode will provide ULD supply, maintenance and repair, fleet planning, repositioning and digital asset tracking for flydubai’s cargo operations. The services will be supported by Unilode’s global maintenance and repair network.

The partnership comes as flydubai expands its dedicated freighter operations. The airline launched the operations on October 1, 2026, with three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft wet-leased from SolitAir. The aircraft provide 23,000 kg of additional payload capacity per flight and operate from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

The dedicated freighter capacity complements flydubai’s existing belly-hold cargo operations across its Boeing 737 fleet. The airline plans to use the freighters for scheduled and charter cargo services across its network of more than 125 destinations. 

Unilode will manage flydubai’s cargo ULD fleet to help ensure equipment is available where and when it is needed. Its digital tracking technology and global logistics infrastructure will provide greater visibility of cargo equipment, improve asset utilisation and simplify day-to-day ULD operations.

Rashed Albashri, Vice President of Cargo at flydubai, said improving the visibility and availability of cargo equipment is becoming increasingly important as the airline introduces dedicated freighter operations and prepares for future cargo services with Boeing 787 aircraft.

The dedicated freighter operation provides flydubai with main-deck cargo capacity and is designed to complement its belly-hold operations. The airline's freighter aircraft can handle specialised cargo including aerospace components, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, express courier shipments and dangerous goods. 

Ross Marino, Chief Executive Officer of Unilode Aviation Solutions, said the outsourced ULD management solution would provide the flexibility, visibility and operational resilience needed to support flydubai’s cargo growth.

Unilode Aviation Solutions owns and manages an outsourced fleet of more than 220,000 ULDs for the aviation industry. It provides management and related services for aviation containers and pallets, serving more than 90 airlines through a network of more than 480 airports, 18 regional offices and 50 certified repair stations.