ACL Airshop has signed a long-term Unit Load Device (ULD) management agreement with Atlas Air, strengthening a long-standing relationship between the two companies and expanding the use of integrated fleet management, maintenance and digital tracking services across Atlas Air’s global operation.
Under the agreement, ACL Airshop will provide Atlas Air with a range of ULD management services covering fleet management, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), digital tracking and global logistics support.
The objective is to improve the availability and positioning of Atlas Air’s ULD assets across its worldwide network, ensuring equipment is available where and when required to support cargo operations.
A key element of the agreement is the use of ACL Airshop’s Internet of Things (IoT)-based tracking technology and proprietary ULD management software. The systems provide real-time visibility of ULD locations and utilisation, together with analytics intended to help identify inefficiencies and optimise fleet performance.
Continuous monitoring will allow the companies to identify potential equipment shortages or operational disruptions earlier and take corrective action. ACL Airshop said the approach is designed to improve ULD availability, reduce unnecessary costs and support more reliable cargo operations.
The agreement also incorporates ACL Airshop’s charter ULD logistics capabilities, enabling the company to respond to both routine requirements and unexpected changes in demand across Atlas Air’s network.
Bobby Wood, vice president of ground operations at Atlas Air, said effective cargo operations depend on having the necessary resources available at the right location and time.
“This agreement strengthens our global ULD capabilities through greater visibility, improved fleet management and a trusted partner that understands the complexity of our worldwide operation,” Wood said.
The partnership builds on decades of cooperation between the companies and reflects the increasing role of digital technology in managing ULD fleets, which are critical assets in the movement of air freight.
James W. Harris, chief executive of ACL Airshop, said Atlas Air’s scale and global network made the continuation of the partnership strategically important.
“By combining our global infrastructure, digital capabilities, and deep operational expertise, we’re helping create a more connected, efficient, and resilient ULD management operation for the future,” Harris said.
ACL Airshop provides ULD fleet management, leasing, repair, logistics and digital tracking services to airlines and other air cargo operators. Its network covers more than 200 airport locations worldwide, supported by technology including long-range tracking systems and ULD management software.
Atlas Air, a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide, is a major provider of outsourced aviation logistics and operates a large fleet of freighter aircraft on behalf of customers across the global supply chain.
Atlas Air Worldwide serves more than 300 destinations in over 90 countries through its operating companies and affiliates. Its fleet includes Boeing 747, 777 and 767 freighters, with Airbus A350F aircraft also planned for delivery from 2029.
The new agreement comes as airlines and cargo operators increasingly seek greater control and visibility over ULD fleets. Better tracking and utilisation of containers and pallets can help reduce equipment imbalances, minimise losses and improve the efficiency of cargo handling across international networks.
For Atlas Air, the partnership provides a centralised approach to ULD management across its extensive operation, while ACL Airshop gains an opportunity to deploy its digital and logistics capabilities across one of the world’s largest dedicated freighter networks.
