Unilode Aviation Solutions, the world’s largest provider and manager of aviation Unit Load Devices (ULDs), has selected XPO Logistics, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, as its strategic global logistics partner.
Credit: XPO Logistics
Under this partnership, XPO Logistics will manage Unilode’s worldwide flows of shortlease equipment, digital tracking technology, critical spare parts and capital equipment delivered directly into airline networks across the globe.
This partnership marks a significant expansion for XPO Logistics into the global aviation and aerospace sector, positioning the company as Unilode’s lead logistics partner for time-critical and highly complex international operations.
Through its Global Connect control tower, XPO Logistics will coordinate all global flows using integrated critical path planning, enabling Unilode to optimise stock positioning, reduce inventory levels, and ensure equipment reaches the right location at the right time. The control tower provides round-the-clock visibility and coordination across multiple time zones, allowing Unilode to proactively manage demand surges, reposition assets quickly and prevent operational disruption.
XPO Logistics will provide Unilode with:
- Critical path planning to optimise equipment availability and reduce inventory
- Realtime visibility across all operational touchpoints
- Digital tracking and IoT-enabled logistics for enhanced control and traceability
- Sustainable logistics solutions aligned with global aviation decarbonisation goals
- Dedicated global forwarding services, backed by XPO’s sector specialist aviation team
As one of the world’s leading freight forwarders, XPO Logistics combines deep operational expertise, advanced digital capabilities, and a high touch service model to deliver resilient, responsive and sustainable global logistics for the aviation industry.
Janis Balkens, Chief Operations Officer, said: “Our partnership with XPO Logistics highlights the power of collaboration at scale. By combining Unilode’s expertise in ULD management with XPO’s global logistics expertise and operational excellence, we are streamlining operations worldwide while making measurable progress toward reducing CO₂e emissions, supporting our carbon reduction ambitions, and adopting world-class technology to support our global network operations. XPO’s professionalism and consistency worldwide make them a trusted partner in delivering smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable solutions for our customers, suppliers, and partners.”
Christophe Verot, Senior Vice President, Forwarding – Europe, XPO Logistics, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Unilode to help streamline its services. Global Forwarding is a core pillar of our business and a space where we truly excel. Combining this with our proven expertise in reducing CO₂e emissions, our proprietary technology that enhances visibility and efficiency across global operations, and Unilode’s shared ethos means this partnership has exceptional potential for continued growth.”
XPO’s services extend beyond global forwarding. As your end-to-end logistics provider, we offer a wide range of services. These include multimodal solutions, 4PL, Control Towers, logistics services, and more.