flydubai, Unilode sign deal to support cargo expansion

flydubai has signed a long-term deal with Unilode Aviation Solutions to manage the airline’s Unit Load Devices (ULDs) as it expands its dedicated cargo operations from Dubai.

Under the agreement, Unilode will handle the supply, repair, maintenance, planning and movement of cargo containers and pallets used by flydubai’s freighter fleet. It will also provide digital tracking of the equipment.

The deal is expected to help flydubai keep cargo equipment available at the right locations, reduce the need for manual tracking and improve the use of its ULD fleet. This could help support more reliable cargo handling as the airline increases its freighter capacity.

flydubai will start dedicated freighter operations on 1 October 2026 with three Boeing 737-800 freighters based at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The aircraft will add to the cargo carried in the belly holds of its existing Boeing 737 fleet.

Rashed Albashri, Vice President of Cargo at flydubai, said: “As we introduce our dedicated freighter operations, improving the visibility and availability of our cargo equipment becomes increasingly important. Unilode’s digital capabilities and global network will help us optimise operations and improve ULD utilisation.”

Unilode manages more than 220,000 ULDs for airlines worldwide and operates a global maintenance network.