Swiss WorldCargo has successfully completed its rollover to a range of brand-new, lighter, and more sustainable containers – right on schedule for the Summer 2025 timetable (into effect since 30 March 2025). The new containers not only modernize the airfreight division’s operational activities but also offer potential for fuel savings and CO2 emissions reduction, contributing to more sustainable cargo operations.
Over the past nine months, Swiss WorldCargo has invested in a transition that promises long-term benefits for its cargo operations. With the support of Jettainer as a trusted supplier and partner, the airfreight division successfully completed the rollover of all leased Unit Load Devices (ULDs) of types AKE and AKH employed on SWISS and Edelweiss flights. In total, more than 3,300 old AKE and AKH containers have been replaced with new ones.
The new ULDs are a true game-changer: not only are they newer and lighter – the reduction of the tare weight is by 22 kg per AKE type of container, and 20 kg per AKH ULD – but they also offer Swiss WorldCargo an opportunity to positively impact its cargo operations and sustainability ambitions. In fact, the weight decrease translates into fuel savings of nearly 900 tons per year, and contributes to lowering CO2 emissions by approximately 2,770 tonnes per year, advancing the airfreight division’s goal to more sustainable cargo operations.
In addition, Swiss WorldCargo has recently replaced over 1,500 old PMC and PAJ pallets with brand-new versions. Like the new containers, the introduction of the new pallets will support more sustainable operational activities, while also ensuring a continuous commitment to the highest standards of safety in the air cargo industry, thanks to greater efficiency due to reduced repair requirements.
This successful transition highlights Swiss WorldCargo’s dedication to operational excellence and its strong drive to implement impactful and meaningful sustainability initiatives.
“We are very enthusiastic about our successful rollover to newer, lighter and more sustainable containers and pallets” said Miguel Seco, head of global business excellence at Swiss WorldCargo. “This completed transition marks not just the constant evolution of our cargo operations to keep delivering excellence to our customers with each shipment, but also our commitment to a future where efficiency and sustainability move forward together – lighter containers, heavier impact.”
“ULDs are an essential element of aviation and therefore a lever for greater efficiency and sustainability that should not be underestimated. We are delighted to support Swiss WorldCargo on its path toward more sustainable cargo operations through the efficient management of a lighter ULD fleet,” commented Dr. Gert Pfeifer, general manager DACH at Jettainer.
