Jettainer, the global leader in unit load device (ULD) management, will provide global ULD management and maintenance services for Swiss International Air Lines, including its air cargo division Swiss WorldCargo and affiliate Edelweiss Air, for another five years. The contract extension will see Jettainer replace more than 650 older AKE containers with lighter and more environmentally friendly lightweight ULDs. This step will reduce weight and jet fuel, helping SWISS continue on its road towards greater sustainability in aviation.

Jettainer has been supporting SWISS with a local team and dedicated ULD management services since the partnership launched in 2006. Providing efficient steering and positioning, a global network and independent repair partner setup, SWISS benefits not only commercially but also environmentally from optimized ULD fleet and ULD journeys.   

Jettainer has also been developing more environmentally friendly yet robust, lightweight containers in partnership with a number of manufacturers for many years now. These containers are mostly made out of composite material. SWISS is taking another major step forward on its journey to improving its environmental footprint by replacing its 652 AKE freight and luggage containers with lightweight ULDs. Compared with traditional AKEs, lightweight containers can save around 16 kilos per unit – making significant fuel reductions and helping cut CO2 emissions from aviation. Back in 2013, the ULD expert and Swiss WorldCargo started replacing its entire XKN fleet used on long-haul flights with AVA containers. These AVA units weigh around 40 kilos less than XKN and mainly transport valuables and clothing.

“We are excited to continue to develop our close and long-lasting collaboration with Jettainer. With its newer, lightweight models, Jettainer is able to adhere to our sustainability standards and commitments, as we continue to find innovative ways to reduce our global carbon footprint,” remarked Lorenzo Stoll, Head of Cargo at Swiss International Air Lines. 

“ULDs can play a key role in saving huge amounts of jet fuel each year. Each kilogram less and every deadhead flight avoided count. We deliver these savings by efficient ULD management and by deploying innovative lightweight equipment. This approach makes it possible for our customer Swiss International Air Lines to cut costs and improve their environmental footprint,” added Thorsten Riekert, Chief Sales Officer of Jettainer GmbH.