With real-time data increasingly critical to logistics performance, the integration of advanced connectivity into unit load devices (ULDs) is redefining how fleets are managed and monitored. By embedding satellite and cellular communication into ULD tags, the need for traditional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) infrastructure is effectively eliminated, saving costs and using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data, marking a significant shift in operations.
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But SmartULD tags are more than just trackers. They are environmental sentinels. “SmartULD tags include sensors that monitor ambient temperature, humidity, light exposure, and occupancy status,” AviusULD CEO Charles Drummond explained, providing what he calls “real-time, high-quality data that supports better decision-making, reduces misplacement, and allows for predictive maintenance.”
In practice, that means cargo is not just moving—it’s being actively monitored, managed, and optimised throughout the journey. Airlines benefit from increased asset utilisation and lower operational costs, while customers gain unprecedented transparency and reliability.
“Ultimately, this translates into lower operating costs, increased asset utilisation, and a streamlined logistics process,” Drummond said.
Detecting the undetectable
With incidents involving lithium-ion batteries on the rise, AviusULD has introduced the Fire Tag in an effort to improve cargo safety for airlines and ground handlers alike.
“The Fire Tag is one of our most innovative developments,” Drummond declared. “It provides early warning of a potential lithium battery incident by detecting the off-gassing phase—often the first sign of thermal runaway—up to 90 minutes before ignition.”
That window is critical, allowing “ground and flight crews to take preventative measures before a fire starts.”
Given the proliferation of battery-powered devices in global shipping, this technology could fill a critical role in the sector.
“This proactive technology significantly enhances cargo safety, providing an additional layer of protection for airlines, ground handlers, and shippers transporting lithium-powered goods,” he noted. “As battery-powered devices proliferate, this capability will become increasingly critical to maintaining safety standards in air cargo.”
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Sustainability in motion
Energy independence meets environmental responsibility in AviusULD’s kinetic energy harvesting system, a feature that reflects the aviation industry’s broader push toward greener operations.
Drummond explained the science simply but powerfully: “SmartULD tags are equipped with kinetic energy harvesting modules that convert vibration and motion—naturally occurring during cargo handling and flight—into electrical energy. This system supplements the tag’s power source, extending battery life and reducing maintenance.”
For an industry battling carbon emissions and electronic waste, this is as strategic as it is sustainable. “By minimising battery replacement the customers return on investment is prolonged and by reducing electronic waste, this innovation supports sustainable operations and aligns with the broader aviation industry’s commitment to decarbonisation and environmental stewardship,” he added.
Navigating the next boom
The global ULD market is experiencing a renaissance fuelled by booming e-commerce, increasing cargo volumes, and modernisation pressures. Drummond sees it as a pivotal opportunity: “Several forces are driving growth, including the expansion of e-commerce, increasing global air cargo volumes, and airlines’ need to modernise ageing ULD fleets with smarter, more sustainable solutions.”
“Our long-term strategy focuses on innovation, operational excellence, and close customer collaboration—supported by strong partners like Unilode—to scale efficiently and remain agile in response to evolving market demands,” Drummond continued.
That agility is supported by a dual approach: proven manufacturing capabilities on one hand, and groundbreaking digital technology on the other, delivering both hardware and integrated data platforms.
As Drummond puts it, “AviusULD is ideally positioned to capture this growth by combining proven manufacturing capability with cutting-edge digital products.”
