flydubai has signed a long-term agreement with Unilode Aviation Solutions, one of the world’s largest outsourced fleets of Unit Load Devices (ULDs), to provide full ULD management services, as the airline expands its passenger and cargo freighter operations and prepares for future fleet growth.
The partnership marks another important milestone in the airline’s growth while further strengthening Unilode’s presence across the Middle East. Under the agreement, Unilode will deliver a fully outsourced ULD management programme, featuring specialised boxes and pallets that fit inside aircraft cargo holds, for both passenger and cargo freighter operations for the airline’s forthcoming widebody operations of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners and long-term fleet expansion. This includes ULD supply, maintenance and repair, fleet planning, repositioning and digital asset tracking, supported by its global maintenance and repair network.
Since launching operations in 2009, flydubai has built a network spanning more than 125 destinations across 56 countries, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global aviation and trade hub. As the airline continues to expand its cargo capabilities, support freighter programmes and prepare for future fleet growth, access to a scalable, fully managed ULD solution will be key to maintaining operational efficiency and supporting long-term growth strategy.
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By managing flydubai’s passenger and cargo ULD fleet, Unilode will help ensure equipment is available where and when it is needed. Supported by Unilode’s digital tracking technology and global logistics infrastructure, the solution will improve fleet visibility, maximise asset utilisation and simplify day-to-day ULD operations.
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 as flydubai expands its cargo operations, including the introduction of its dedicated freighter operations from October 2026. With three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft operating from 01 October 2026 at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), the freighter operation will complement the airline’s existing belly-hold cargo capabilities across its fleet of nearly 100 Boeing 737 aircraft.
The partnership reinforces Unilode’s position as a trusted ULD management partner for airlines across the Middle East and the world, delivering flexible, digitally enabled solutions that improve asset availability, operational performance and long-term efficiency.
